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Manchester United star, 17, seals incredible slice of history

Mason Greenwood has fired himself into the Manchester United record books after scoring the winning goal in his side's opening Europa League group match.

The teenager rescued a much-changed Manchester United from an embarrassing start to their European campaign with the only goal to beat Kazakh champions Astana 1-0 at Old Trafford.

In doing so, the young striker took his place in the club's illustrious history with two impressive records.

At just 17, Greenwood became the youngest goalscorer for United in European competition with a composed finish under Nenad Eric 17 minutes from time.

Greenwood is also the first player born in the 2000s to have scored a senior goal for the 20-time English top flight champions.

"We always know that in and around the box he is one of the best finishers we have got," said United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Greenwood's composure.

“I’m sure he’ll go home tonight and he’ll be happy with that one.

Mason Greenwood's winner against Astana makes him Manchester United's youngest goal scorer in Europe.
Mason Greenwood is United's youngest ever goal scorer in European competition. Pic: Getty

“It’s not an easy place to make your debut in a game like this when you don’t get a goal but Mason won us the game so we’re very pleased for him.”

Praise for Greenwood was equally as effusive from fans on social media.

Victory justified Solskjaer's decision to make nine changes from Saturday's Premier League win over Leicester with a host of youngsters given their chance to impress.

Greenwood was joined in the starting line-up by Angel Gomes, Axel Tuanzebe and Tahith Chong.

"Today was a great opportunity for them," added Solskjaer.

"We made it hard for ourselves. Games like these, you want to make sure you win the game in the first 20 minutes and you can enjoy it.

"You could see some of our lads needed games but it's pleasing we got the three points."

The visitors had travelled nearly 6,000 kilometres to the Theatre of Dreams and could have held out for a famous point thanks to Eric's heroics in goal.

Mason Greenwood celebrates his winning goal against Astana in the Europa League.
Greenwood's first senior goal gave United the 1-0 win over Astana. Pic: Getty

Brazilian midfielder Fred saw an early effort come back off the bar as United started strongly and Eric made two brilliant saves to deny Marcus Rashford.

Rashford made his name in similar circumstances during an injury crisis for Louis van Gaal in the Europa League in 2016 with a double against Danish club Midtjylland.

And Solskjaer is hoping United's failure to qualify for the Champions League can at least come to some good with the Norwegian keen to promote youngsters in Europe's second tier competition this season.

Solskjaer has been glowing in his praise of Greenwood's poise in front of goal and he repaid his manager's faith by twisting and turning inside the area before slotting in at the near post to end Astana's resistance.

With agencies