Ralf Rangnick revealed the difference between Erling Haaland and Manchester United ace Mason Greenwood

Speaking in his post-match press conference, as quoted by Manchester Evening News, Ralf Rangnick revealed that Manchester United ace Mason Greenwood needs to develop physically and is of a different mould to Erling Haaland.

The Red Devils had to settle for a draw against BSC Young Boys on Wednesday night. Rangnick fielded a completely different XI from the victory against Crystal Palace, and the team was filled with young stars.

The pick of them was Greenwood. The English international did not waste a lot of time in impressing his new boss as he scored a low overhead kick after just 10 minutes. He could not add to his tally on the night but was a constant threat to the Swiss club.

After the game, the gaffer was asked about the difference between the 20-year-old and Erling Haaland, a player Rangnick saw excel at RB Salzburg during his tenure as the Red Bull group’s sporting director. 

“Erling, for me, is a target striker, who can play as a single striker like a target man or in a 4-4-2. I think Mason (Greenwood) is more of a nine-and-a-half, he can play as a striker, he can also come from the wing, he can play with another striker, he is very technical, left foot, right foot.

“Sometimes he looks a bit, not on an athletic level. I think we have to develop him there physically, but technically all the things he can do with the ball are outstanding.”

Star in the making?

The young star has been brilliant for us in the last two seasons. He came to the limelight under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and had a great start to the current season as he found his scoring boots in the first few games of the campaign. 

However, he now has the chance to excel under a proper coach who can hone his talent and develop him into a world-beater. It is true to a certain extent that the striker needs to develop physically, but his hold-up play and use of the body have been pretty good.

The Englishman also possesses killer instincts inside the box and is now playing alongside one of the greatest strikers in the game in Cristiano Ronaldo. There is a lot that he can learn from the Portuguese star and his German coach.

More Manchester United News

• AS Roma give up their pursuit of Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot
• Ferdinand backs Rangnick to adapt to Ronaldo while conveying the early progress at Manchester United
• Report: Manchester United rejected a large bid for Dean Henderson from Chelsea

Haaland is obviously a step ahead of the youngster but it might not be long before he is leading the line for his boyhood club. It would not be a surprise if the Norwegian joins him in that venture, since the Old Trafford outfit are keen on signing him in the summer, according to Bild (h/t Marca).

 However, that is a different conversation, and Greenwood needs to focus on his own game for now. A youngster who can play as a striker or a winger, his maturity, versatility, and attitude on the pitch makes him an ideal player to have for any team.