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Report: Mason Greenwood to Sign New 5-Year Contract with Manchester United

Matt JonesFeatured ColumnistSeptember 23, 2019

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Mason Greenwood of Manchester United celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-0 during the UEFA Europa League group L match between Manchester United and FK Astana at Old Trafford on September 19, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Manchester United have reportedly offered their 17-year-old forward Mason Greenwood a new five-year contract, with the player said to be keen to commit his future to the club.

News of the offer came from football journalist Fabrizio Romano:

Fabrizio Romano @FabrizioRomano

Man United made a new contract bis to Mason Greenwood. Talks ongoing to sign a new agreement for 5 years. 🔴 #MUFC #ManUnited More details ➡️ https://t.co/YDYytU2bT8

On Instagram, Romano added "the proposal [is] for 5 years and Greenwood's agents are going to talk with Man Utd soon to agree every detail and sign the contract."

Greenwood is one the most exciting young prospects on the Red Devils' books, having established himself as a regular in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first-team squad.

Greenwood made his debut for United last season in the club's memorable 3-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, becoming the second-youngest player to represent the Red Devils in European competition.

On the final day of the 2018-19 campaign, he made his first senior start in the 2-0 loss to Cardiff City, and last week he scored his first goal for the first team in the 1-0 win over Astana in the UEFA Europa League: 

Football on BT Sport @btsportfootball

Man Utd FINALLY have the breakthrough vs Astana... And it just had to be Mason Greenwood 🙌 The youngster bags his first senior goal! https://t.co/rOxyVmAN3y

Although the Red Devils supporters have seen glimpses of Greenwood's talent at the senior level, the buzz around him stems from his performances throughout the academy setup.

Last season, the forward was awarded the club's Jimmy Murphy Youth Team Player of the Year prize, having scored 30 goals while playing for the Under-18, Under-19 and Under-23 teams.

Per Daniel Harris of the Guardian, there appears to be unanimous belief among the United supporters that Greenwood will be able to cut it at the highest level:

Daniel Harris @DanielHarris

Can’t remember the last time a player like Greenwood broke through - someone who every single person is certain will make it. Fábregas, maybe.

Football journalist John Brewin compared the youngster with former Red Devils star Robin van Persie: 

John Brewin @JohnBrewin_

Mason Greenwood: Robin van Persie with pace.

A new contract for the forward would be deserved and reflect his status as a first-team player under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Although it was clear Greenwood was going to be involved more often this season for the Red Devils, there's a chance he'll be in the XI regularly in the coming weeks. United were without Anthony Martial on Sunday in the 2-0 loss to West Ham United due to injury, while Marcus Rashford also hobbled out of the match.

Greenwood missed that encounter due to illness, though he will be hoping to get back in action on Wednesday, when United seek to bounce back in the EFL Cup against Rochdale.