Solskjaer: I asked Greenwood for photo when he was 7, I knew he will be a player

Manchester United brought their Europa League group stage campaign to a close with a Mason Greenwood inspired victory over AZ Alkmaar at Old Trafford on Thursday evening, and so confident was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of the forward's development, he has revealed he asked him for a photo when he was just seven years old.

Greenwood scored two goals in United's 4-0 triumph over the Dutch side, with the forward the player who stood out the most.

When Solskjaer's own son was just eight years old, the picture was taken at the club's old Cliff Training Complex.

"I took a picture of him and Noah together, I asked him because I knew he was going to be a player," Solskjaer confirmed in his post-match press conference.

"The first time I saw him he stood out.

"It was a nice little memory when he signed his contract."

Manchester United's season has been a little up-and-down, yet the Norwegian coach is committed to giving the club's academy players a chance in the first team, especially at a time when the group lacks depth.

"It's something we're proud of, it's in our DNA," he declared.

"This club is built on having your own local lads or academy players coming through, we pride ourselves on that.

"They're great people, everyone that goes through this academy and they're good players as well, they know what it takes to be a Man United player."