Euros would be nice, but Greenwood eyeing Europa glory with United

Mason Greenwood is focused on Manchester United’s bid for Europa League glory as his late season form continues to propel talk of an England recall for Euro 2020.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a breakout season at Old Trafford last term, his 17 goals making it the joint most prolific season for a teenager in United’s history – level with George Best (1965-66), Brian Kidd (1967-68) and Wayne Rooney (2004-05).

He found the going somewhat tougher this time around and had five goals in 39 appearances across all competitions heading into the March international break, when he failed to make Gareth Southgate’s squad.

Since April 1, Greenwood has eight goals in 11 games, with six in seven in the Premier League making him the division’s joint-top scorer alongside Burnley’s Chris Wood during this period.

United take on Fulham on Tuesday before closing their Premier League campaign at Wolves. All attention will then turn to the Europa League final against Villarreal in Gdansk, when the Red Devils will seek to win a first major honour since lifting the same trophy four years ago.

“To win something with United would be amazing,” Greenwood told Sky Sports.

“I want to do that. We are in a good position to do it. A good finish to the Premier League season and a win in the final would be nice. We need a bit of silverware, we have not had any for a few years, so to bring it back home would be a good feeling.

“It would be nice to go to the Euros but I just want to be fully focused on United for these two games and the Europa League final.

“What happens, happens. I have not really been thinking about it too much. I have just been going out there thinking about my performances for United, how to score and help the team score.

“I have just been focusing on my football.”

 goals in games for @MasonGreenwood  pic.twitter.com/IWr12Wm1Wc

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 11, 2021

Greenwood found himself under scrutiny for actions off the pitch earlier in the season when, after making their England debuts in Iceland, he and Manchester City playmaker Phil Foden were sent home for breaching coronavirus protocols.

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer believes the United youngster has come through that episode a stronger person and, with Euro 2020 squads now expanded to 26 players, the clamour for Gareth Southgate to include Greenwood as a wildcard pick in attack is mounting.

“I totally agree with him, I have come through it stronger,” Greenwood said.

“All of these little things make you into a better person, a better human being and a better footballer. It makes you learn a few things. It is like when you are playing, you learn from your mistakes. You either let it affect you or you push forward. Why not push forward?”

Greenwood added: “The manager has been fully focused on me and he has helped me a lot. He speaks to all the lads a lot, individually and as a group. I am really pleased to have him there.”