Man Utd boss Solskjaer on Mason Greenwood: Critics need to take a step back.

Despite various English tabloids criticising Greenwood, the teenager has scored twice in eight appearances this season. [Getty]

Mason Greenwood enjoyed a stunning breakout season at Man Utd last term, but has struggled on and off the pitch in the 2020-21 campaign so far.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists that critics need to "step back" and realise that Mason Greenwood is heading in the right direction considering the progress he made over the past year at Manchester United.

The United youngster was impressive when he broke into the Red Devils' first-team last season, scoring 17 goals across all competitions.

Off-field events seem to have affected his displays so far this season, with Solskjaer admitting the 19-year-old's health hasn't been up to speed.

However, Solskjaer decided to remind people that Greenwood still young and has the talent to go far in his career.

Speaking ahead of United's Premier League clash against West Brom on Saturday, the Norwegian said in his press conference: "You have to take a step back sometimes. The boy's only 19 and he's had a fantastic year.

"If we go a year back, I left him out of the EFL Cup against Chelsea. Mason stayed back and played against Doncaster Rovers in the Checkatrade Trophy to get game time, that's how far he's come.

"Now he's got lots of goals, made his England debut, scored in his first Under-21s game and, of course, the headlines are going to be about when he scores and doesn't play.

"Everyone's allowed to not be well. If you're not well you can't train. He's been away eight or nine days from training so we're just building him up again and I have no doubts about him.

"He has a very good head on him and the talent is there for all to see."

On Paul Pogba, who has struggled to hit form in his last seven games for United, Solskjaer said the midfield maestro will be a key member of his side as the 2020-21 season advances, adding that the 27-year-old's involvement in France's three games is a plus for his fitness.

"Paul had a difficult season last season and had COVID-19 in this one, but those three games he played for France helped," he said.

"I spoke to Paul and he felt towards the end of the Portugal and Sweden games he felt stronger. He played well and I think he's only going to improve.

"Paul is a very important player and very important person for us and to have him in form and happy is going be important."

Follow Think Football Ideas across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.