Mason Greenwood names surprise pick for toughest opponent

Manchester United‘s Mason Greenwood made a surprise choice when he picked Fulham defender Joe Bryan as his toughest opponent.

Greenwood has played against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Villarreal during his short career to this stage.

In the Milan game, he came up against French left-back Theo Hernandez, who is currently considered as one of the best full-backs in Italy.

But during a fans’ Q&A on United’s official website, Greenwood chose another player as his toughest ever opponent that he admits fans may not have expected.

Greenwood names Bryan as toughest opponent

He said: “I’ve probably got to say, it might be a surprising one, but do you know [Joe] Bryan, the one from Fulham.

“He allowed me no space, no time on the ball, when we played them home and away. It was one of my most difficult games for us.

“He’s one you probably wouldn’t think I’d say his name but he was getting tight to me and not giving me much space.

“He was a good defender and he was probably my toughest challenge.”

Greenwood first came up against the 27-year-old left-back in January, when United travelled to Craven Cottage.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer‘s side were behind within five minutes, but as was typical for United on the road last season, roared back into contention and won 2-1 thanks to goals from Edinson Cavani and Paul Pogba.

Greenwood himself played 84 minutes before being substituted.

In the return fixture at Old Trafford in May, the 19-year-old again came up against Bryan on the right flank.

The Cottagers defender got his name on the scoresheet that night in a 1-1 draw, playing in a wing-back role. With a 7.7 rating, he was ranked by WhoScored as Fulham’s second-best player.

He won four tackles, completed one successful dribble and recorded 57 touches. In terms of tackles, only team-mates Mario Lemina and Joachim Andersen recorded more out of anyone on the pitch.

Bryan has made 44 Premier League appearances for Fulham across two separate seasons, scoring once.

After relegation last season, he is set to start the new campaign with the Cottagers in the Championship.

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