Transfer Centre

Romelu Lukaku exit 'will see Mason Greenwood promoted'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 08 August 2019

Lukaku exit 'will see Greenwood promoted'

Mason Greenwood will reportedly be officially promoted to the first team in the wake of Romelu Lukaku's exit from Manchester United.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was reportedly prepared to lose Romelu Lukaku this summer without signing a replacement due to the presence of Mason Greenwood.

Following weeks of speculation, Lukaku completed a switch to Inter Milan on Thursday afternoon. There was talk that Mario Mandzukic could arrive as a replacement for the Belgian, but a deal could not be agreed with Juventus.

According to ESPN, Solskjaer has been unmoved by his team's failure to sign an experienced replacement as he intends to use Greenwood on a regular basis in the coming season.

The 17-year-old, who has been a prolific scorer in the youth set-up at United, made four first-team appearances for the Red Devils in the latter stages of the 2018-19 campaign.

The attacker has also managed two goals during his team's preparations for the new season, which officially begins against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

Marcus Rashford is expected to be Solskjaer's first choice in the centre-forward role this season. However, Anthony Martial has also been used through the middle over the summer.

United's summer business has ended with them signing winger Daniel James from Swansea City, right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace and central defender Harry Maguire from Leicester City.