Manchester United are long-term admirers of Jadon Sancho – but they already have a player at the club who could be twice as good as the Borussia Dortmund starlet.
That’s according to Simon Jordan, who gave his reaction to the news that the England starlet, Mason Greenwood has put pen-to-paper on a new four-year contract at Old Trafford.
The 19-year-old academy graduate, who has been with the club since the age of seven, will remain at United until at least the summer of 2025 – with Jordan waxing lyrical about the forward on Tuesday afternoon.
“Youth development should be strong on any club’s list of priorities, because you get players coming from with a certain thinking and a certain reflection of the club you’re playing for,” Jordan told talkSPORT.
“This guy has come through with the best facilities and Man United have the pick of who they want so he would have come through schooled in the opportunity that was with great coaching.
“But look at the talent he’s got. I think he has the potential to be a once in a generational talent.
“I look at the people like Jadon Sancho and the furore that was around him – but I think Greenwood has the ability to be twice the player.
“Man United have done some very good housekeeping as they’ve tied their young player down to a five-year contract [effectively]. It’s sensible business protecting their assets and well done to him.”
Greenwood has make 82 first-team appearances for the Red Devils since making his debut for the club two years ago, with United holding the option to extend Greenwood’s contract by a further year.
“When you join the club at seven years old you just dream of playing for the first-team one day,” Greenwood said.
“I’ve worked so hard to reach this level and the last two years have been amazing.
“I want to thank the academy for everything they have done for me and for their continued support to this day.
“There is so much that I want to achieve in the game and I know that this is the perfect environment to play my football.
“With the support from the manager, Kieran (McKenna) and the rest of the coaching staff and so many great players to learn from; I know that I am developing every single day.
“There is a lot more to come from myself and this team and I am so committed to working week in, week out to help the group achieve success.
“I want to repay the club for the support that everyone has given me over the years and show everyone just what I am capable of.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer handed Greenwood his debut against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League back in March 2019 and has been delighted with the England international’s progress.
“Mason is a fantastic talent and yet another fine example of the type of player that our academy produces,” the United boss said.
“He has made great progress this season, showing real maturity and adaptability to his game which has seen him develop into one of the best young players in the country.
“Whilst it is easy for people outside of the club to forget that Mason is just 19, it is our job as coaches to ensure he reaches his phenomenal potential and every step we take is to help him along that path.
“Mason is naturally gifted and has a brilliant attitude; we know how important he is going to be for Manchester United over the coming seasons.”
