Nicky Butt Labels Mason Greenwood as 'Best Young Player' He's Seen at Man Utd

Nicky Butt has labelled Manchester United starlet Mason Greenwood as the best young talent from his time associated with the Old Trafford side.

The Red Devils' inability to sign a replacement for Romelu Lukaku last summer drew criticism from some sections of their fanbase - and beyond - but that empty slot in the squad has allowed for academy product Greenwood to shine when handed an opportunity.

Having made three Premier League outings last season as he hovered on the periphery of the senior squad, this term Greenwood has hugely impressed when given game time after netting 12 goals in all competitions. Five of those have come in the top flight, with another five in this season's Europa League, prompting widespread praise from across Europe.

None more so than former Class of '92 member, Butt, who spoke of his admiration for the 18-year-old striker to fellow ex-pro Jamie Redknapp.

"I remember talking to Nicky Butt about eight months ago and he said Mason Greenwood was the best young player he’s ever seen at Manchester United," he told Sky Sports (via Manchester Evening News).

"That is some statement considering all the players they’ve produced, like the Class of ’92. There’s nothing he can’t achieve with his pace and power."

Having been with United since 1992 - where he made over 380 appearances and won six Premier League titles - Butt then returned to the club in 2012 shortly after retiring to take up the head of youth development role.

Given the sheer volume of talent that Butt has both played alongside and now coached, it's fairly high acclaim indeed. He isn't the only one to sign the forward's praises, though, as teammate Marcus Rashford echoed similar statements.

"For me, Mason's got everything to be as good as he wants to be," he said. "He's got all the attributes needed to be a forward at the very top level. It's just about him pushing himself. You don't have to listen to anything on the outside, you just keep pushing yourself and improving.

"God knows the height he can get to. There not much else as a forward you could ask for in terms of natural ability. Hopefully, he continues to work hard and does what he does best."

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Source : 90min