Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rubbishes Mason Greenwood burnout fears

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists Manchester United‘s rising star Mason Greenwood isn’t at risk of burnout by playing too much.

Greenwood has racked up 42 appearances so far this season – including starting the last four Premier League games as part of an unchanged United line-up – and scored 16 goals in all competitions.

The 18-year-old needs one more to equal Wayne Rooney‘s total of nine league goals for Everton at the same age in the 2003-04 season.

Mason Greenwood is in stunning form for Manchester United with 16 goals in all competitions

The 18-year-old striker scored his 16th of the season in United’s 3-0 victory at Aston Villa

Solskjaer must decide whether to play Greenwood at home to Southampton on Monday night, but the United boss is satisfied he is not asking too much of the youngster.

‘At that age you’ve got so much energy,’ said Solskjaer. ‘There’s no fear, you just want to go and play football. If we had a day off he’d play football with his mates.

‘I’m not worried about Mason this season, we just need to look after him his whole career. He’s a fantastic boy who loves football and he’s getting the result and rewards for his hard work.

Solskjaer has been thrilled with the progress Greenwood has made for United this season

Greenwood needs one more goal to equal Wayne Rooney’s league scoring record for an 18-year-old achieved with Everton in 2003-04

‘We know what he’s capable of and have always trusted him to be a part of this squad and chip in with performances and goals.

‘We’ve seen it every day. I’ve seen it since I came to the club. He’s just a natural footballer and when you put natural good footballers with better footballers that gives him more opportunities to show his qualities. 

‘The club know what they’re doing when they’re educating players.’