Manchester United and England forward Mason Greenwood has explained why Fulham defender Joe Bryan is the toughest opponent he has faced in his fledgling career.

Greenwood, 19, has played against some of the world’s best players in the Premier League and Champions League but identified Fulham’s Bryan as his most challenging opponent.

Bryan, 27, scored twice in the Championship play-off final in 2019 to send Fulham back to the Premier League, and impressed in the English top-flight last season despite the Cottagers’ relegation.

The left-back featured in both of Fulham’s games against Manchester United last term – a 2-1 win for the Red Devils at Craven Cottage and a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford – and Greenwood was impressed by his performances.

Asked to identify the toughest opponent he has faced, Greenwood told MUTV: ‘That’s a good question.

‘I’ve probably got to say, it might be a surprising one, but do you know [Joe] Bryan, the one for Fulham?

‘He allowed me no space, no time on the ball, when we played them home and away. It was one of my most difficult games for us.

‘He’s one you probably wouldn’t think I’d say his name, but he was getting tight to me and not giving me much space.

‘He was a good defender and he was probably my toughest challenge.’

Greenwood scored 11 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions last season and looked set to play for England at Euro 2020 before being ruled out through injury.

Manchester United, who finished second in the Premier League last term and reached the Europa League final, begin their 2021-22 campaign on August 14 against Leeds United.

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Source: Metro Sport