Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Mason Greenwood is 'definitely' in contention to start Manchester United's first game of the season

Manchester United’s rising young star, Mason Greenwood, has thrust himself into contention to start their opening Premier League game against Chelsea next month, according to manager Ole Gunnar Solskajer.

Greenwood took full advantage of Romelu Lukaku’s continued absence to claim his first senior goal in United’s impressive 4-0 win over Leeds United at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Wednesday.

With Lukaku missing United’s second tour match in five days with a reputed injury as Inter Milan prepare a projected £75 million bid for the wantaway Belgium striker, Greenwood shone alongside fellow scorer Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba.

Still only 17, Solskjaer believes Greenwood - who scored 30 goals in 29 games for United’s Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21 teams last season - has a huge future ahead of him and says he would have no fears about starting the teenage prodigy against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Aug. 11.

“He’s got a chance to start that one [against Chelsea] definitely,” the United manager said. “He’s capable, more than capable. He’ll always be there in and around the box creating chances. I won’t say that that’s not a possibility. It’s a good possibility if he keeps going as he does. It’s difficult to keep players out if they keep playing well.”

United were due to fly to Singapore in the early hours of Thursday for the second leg of their pre-season tour with Lukaku edging nearer to the exit door. Inter are thought to be ready to offer United £60 million with a further £15 million in add-ons for Lukaku and could meet with United officials in Singapore, where the sides are due to meet at the National Stadium on Saturday.

Solskjaer said this week that, if Lukaku leaves, he will need to be replaced but Greenwood’s emergence has given him plenty of food for thought. His goals for United’s academy sides brought him to the attention of the first team players, who would watch footage of him in action in the dressing room. Several were impressed enough to attend some of his games for the Under-18s at the club’s Carrington training base before being able to see him at close quarters when he began to train with them. Greenwood became the youngest United player to start a Premier League game in the 2-0 defeat by Cardiff City on the final day of last season, when he was United’s only bright spark.

“You see a talented boy there and he’s got every opportunity to make it as a Man United player,” Solskjaer said. “Of course it’s also going to be about luck, staying clear of injuries, being professional and I’m sure he’s going to grab his chance because everything is there for him.

“It’s important for strikers to get that goal, even though we’ve always said and know he’s capable of scoring goals. But that first goal is going to be a weight off his shoulders. His movement, cleverness, he’s going to be a very good player.

“He can play all the front three positions, front four really - 10, 7, 11, 9 - he’s a natural footballer.

“He’s a natural and two-footed. You know when he takes a penalty with his left, with his right, free-kicks left, free-kicks right, he is almost what you call 50-50. Maybe 51-49 left footed.”

Solskjaer was less effusive about the situation concerning Lukaku, who also missed Saturday’s 2-0 win over Perth Glory. “It’s not ideal when you miss training sessions,” he said. “He missed the end of the training session yesterday and he missed the game again today so he’s missed two chances to play 45 minutes. At this stage of the season it’s important for us we get everyone fit so hopefully he’ll be available soon.”