Crystal Palace tried to sign Mason Greenwood last summer

"I think people all over the Premier League have realised there is a real talent on the books of Manchester United and it’s been just a question of time before he gets his chance.

“It was the same with Marcus, he didn’t have to wait either and they put him in early and, as a result, they find themselves with a young but very, very talented forward line.”

Hodgson has also backed Wilfried Zaha in his calls for social media companies to put down more regulations to ensure everyone has to register their identity in order to stop the sort of racist abuse the Palace winger was forced to endure.

Hodgson admitted it had affected Zaha’s “mental welfare” but insisted it would be “sad” if the day ever came when they did not pick him as a result.

“For Wilf to receive this on the day of the game and to go out and play and forget about it, is asking something which isn’t humanly possible,” said Hodgson.

“I don’t understand how if you want to use social media platforms to throw abuse around willy-nilly you can do so and no-one has a clue who you are. There are certain things that must be put down as no-brainers.”

Hodgson has enjoyed another good season at Palace with Selhurst Park always a difficult place even for the top clubs but Manchester United will not find it as initiating with no fans.

He added: “The top teams seem to get stronger, richer and capable of bringing in more superstars. So for those of us not in that category you need to use every single weapon that you have in your armoury.

"One of the weapons in ours was the Selhurst Park faithful.”