Paul Scholes claims ‘scapegoat’ Mason Greenwood should start for Man Utd ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani
PAUL SCHOLES believes Mason Greenwood would score plenty of goals if he played in his natural position as a central striker.
The Manchester United legend believes it is wrong that the youngster has been deployed on the wing to make space for Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani.
Scholes believes Greenwood is the future for United rather than the ageing pair and has criticised Ralf Rangnick for often substituting him in matches.
Appearing on the Webby and O’Neill YouTube channel, Scholes said: "Mason Greenwood is a brilliant player – great potential.
"The manager keeps taking him off, he’s almost become a little bit of a scapegoat, a little bit of an easy target because he’s a young player.
"He should be playing up front for this team. As good as [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Edinson] Cavani are, and have been throughout their careers, for Manchester United’s centre forwards to be 36 and 34 just tells us where the club is at.
"Greenwood has to be playing now – and in the future. He is a highly-talented lad and I’m frustrated when I watch him because you know he’s going to be the first man off every single time.
"He’s been shoved out in those wide areas – the lad is an out-and-out centre forward. He will score goals in this team – no doubt about that.”
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Greenwood not getting enough game time in his natural position is just one of several problems Scholes sees at United.
He described the club as a "mess" that feels "poisonous" - and he thinks Antonio Conte is the only man who can solve the crisis.
Getting the best out of United's attacking players would go some way to improve their current form.
Greenwood was on fire at the start of the season but his form has dipped - he has scored five goals in 21 games this season.
But he is still United's second-joint top scorer alongside Bruno Fernandes - Ronaldo leads the way with 14 goals this campaign.
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