ROCK OF CAGES
There was a time Dwight McNeil and Mason Greenwood would fight it out in the cages at Manchester United’s training ground.
Now the old friends have both been unleashed on the Premier League and their teams go head-to-head at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Burnley winger McNeil, 21, had dreams of making the grade with his boyhood club — but his time with the Red Devils ended in disappointment, aged 14.
The Rochdale-born star is not surprised by the progress of pal Greenwood, 18, at United as he pushes for a spot in England’s Euros squad.
McNeil, a doubt for the clash after picking up a knock, said: “The main thing was training in the cage at night.
“It was all a bit of fun, really, just playing games in this small area. But it improved me as a player in tight areas.
“Mason was younger than me but he played up with us. He was always good with both feet — you could tell with Mason at a young age.
“It’s great that we’ve both achieved our dream to play in the Premier League and, obviously, Mason is doing so well at United and I’m really happy for him.
“He’s had some criticism but I know what kind of guy he is. Mason’s a good guy and he’s come back scoring goals so I’m happy for him.”
