Rio Ferdinand has warned Manchester United not to put too much pressure on Mason Greenwood’s shoulders too soon, highlighting how the mismanagement of Michael Owen affected his fledgling career.
The 18-year-old has burst on to the first-team scene at Old Trafford this season, notching 11 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions.
And club legend Ferdinand, speaking at the launch of BT’s 4-3-3 strategy, has waxed lyrical about the young forward’s talents.
He is, however, wary of Greenwood potentially burning out in time – something which happened to Owen as a youngster at Liverpool.
“I always knew him as a kid coming through. He was someone who scored goals at will at every age group,” Ferdinand said.
“He found it easy to score goals and he seems to be doing the same in a Man United shirt at the top level in the first team.
“He’s transitioning well, I think we have to be careful how much pressure we are putting on his shoulders.
“He doesn’t need that responsibility yet, he’s too young. He has to be nurtured the right way.
Michael Owen discusses the injury problems that plagued his career
“Hopefully there are players in that changing room and staff in that building who have taken that pressure off his shoulders and told him to go out there and just learn the game.”
He continued: “We have to take a good look at how Michael Owen was developed and nurtured as a kid. He was probably mishandled as a young kid coming through.
“He played far too many games back then. Given his obvious talent that was why, but you’ve got to put them on the reins a little bit at that age.
“Michael would say himself that he probably suffered from certain injuries over the years as he played too many games far too early. We don’t want that to happen with Mason.
“He’s a wonderful footballer who can keep on going for many years at the highest level and be a huge talent in this country.”
BT’s 4-3-3 football partnership strategy is designed to use technology, innovation and digital skills in footballing communities across the UK to help change the lives of millions of players, coaches and fans.
