MORNING, UNITED FANS

Donny van de Beek and Mason Greenwood have been tipped to use Tuesday’s 4-1 Champions League win over Istanbul Basaksehir as a huge springboard to their United seasons.

Holland midfielder Van Beek shone in a new role during only his fifth start while England striker Greenwood came on to provide an assist – earning comparisons with Old Trafford strike legend Ruud van Nistelrooy

Both men are pressing for more regular action as tenth-placed United visit Southampton, five places above them, in the Premier League on Sunday.

And £40million summer buy 12 Van Beek, who played deeper against Basaksehir to give Bruno Fernandes more attacking freedom, said: “It worked really well. Some games I play No 10 and sometimes the coach needs me in the control position.

“That is fine for me because when I played at Ajax, I was playing in those positions, so it is OK.”

Meanwhile, ex-United and England defender Rio Ferdinand said of Greenwood: “He’s going to be a beast to go with the technique he’s got, the understanding, his spacial awareness, he plays off both feet.

“We talk about Ruud van Nistelrooy, it excites you when you see finishers that finish aggressively, but with precision. He has that in abundance.”

But Ferdinand’s former Old Trafford team-mate Paul Scholes claims Greenwood’s “moody” attacking rival Anthony Martial is “not a good centre-forward”.

Scholes claims Martial struggles with his back to the goal – but can come alive when running at players.

Fellow United frontman Marcus Rashford will win a Special Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year – but NOT be shortlisted for the main prize.

SPOTY rules mean Rashford’s crusade for free school meals cannot be a factor in nominations for the top gong as it is based on sporting achievement.

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