THE Red half of Manchester hasn’t come out on top too often in their recent battles with the neighbours across town.
And this weekend could see the most horrific prospect of all coming to pass…defeat in the derby sealing the title for City.
Most United fans know even a win would only delay the inevitable. But at least the sight of Vincent Kompany lifting the Champions League trophy may now have to wait.
So in the land of small victories, step forward golden boy Mason Greenwood, the teenager putting a broad smile on the face of everyone at Old Trafford.
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Greenwood is just 16, but already playing two years above himself, and is hotly tipped to become the next big thing to pull on a first team shirt.
The attacking midfielder or striker’s talents haven’t gone unnoticed at the Etihad, and City cast hopeful glances in his direction.
This is one battle United were determined NOT to lose, and why they were keen to get a contract signed, to avoid a Ryan Giggs-in-reverse scenario.
Giggs spent two years at Man City’s youth team before joining United.
And it’s easy to see why United are so keen on Greenwood.
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Just have a look at his clips on YouTube and it will immediately become clear why they all rate him so highly.
Greenwood has been a shining light for Utd’s Under 18s, after they took him on last summer’s preseason tour to Austria as the youngest kid on the trip.
His performances have earned recognition from England’s Under 17s. Next month he is nailed on to be in the squad for the upcoming European Championships.
United insiders admit he is so gifted they “don’t know the limit of his abilities yet,” as he continues to steal the show.
A fortnight ago he was doing so again, hitting two goals in a 6-1 thrashing of West Brom, making it eleven for the season – the first a stunning solo effort.
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It has pretty much been the story since he made his debut for them in August, the highlight coming with a hat-trick two months later.
Greenwood has earned favourable comparisons with Paul Pogba, with his rangy running style and strength making him difficult to knock off the ball.
Although a natural left footer, he is equally capable with his right, and will use either when taking free kicks – a fact that has regularly amused his youth coaches.
Of course there have been plenty of highly-rated teenagers who have come to grief over the final couple of hurdles when looking destined to go all the way.
But those close to Greenwood insist he is level headed, sensible and down to earth.
There’s no reason to suspect that will change any time soon – keep your eyes peeled, because this is one kid you WOULD put your house on reaching the very top.
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