Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer speaks out on Mason Greenwood issues ahead of Chelsea
Posted Saturday, October 24, 2020 by Express.co.uk
Mason Greenwood has missed Manchester United's past two matches amid reports of ill-discipline.
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has opened up on the application of Mason Greenwood ahead of this weekend's clash with Chelsea after the forward missed recent wins over Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain. Reports earlier this week claimed the 19-year-old has been warned by United over his conduct, which is why he has not been available for selection but now the teenager is looking to kick on and replicate the same kind of form which saw him earn a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad.
Solskjaer has confirmed Greenwood is in line to return this weekend as United host Frank Lampard's side at Old Trafford, looking to build on two positive results in the past week.
Greenwood's last appearance came in the 6-1 defeat to Tottenham before his mysterious absence from the United first-team squad.
A prickly Solskjaer claimed the striker was injured ahead of the trip to PSG and snapped that he couldn't go against the word of medics.
Rumours emerged that Solskjaer had grown frustrated by the player's conduct following a string of incidents in September which included being sent home by England after sneaking two girls into the team hotel in Iceland with Phil Foden.
Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken out on Mason Greenwood (Image: GETTY)
Now the Norwegian has provided clarity on the situation that has left Red Devils supporters demanding answers.
"We have a great record and tradition of bringing our players through, that means from early on you get good habits, you express yourselves, Mason’s come through this program, done fantastic and will be kicking on I’m sure, he’s a very exciting boy to work with," Solskjaer said.
"You do [make a target for yourself] when you play well and I’m not concerned at all with Mason making a target for himself. He came in, played fantastic, he made his first start against Tottenham last season, was brilliant, kicked on.
"He made a mistake for England and suddenly the English press go after him."
Solskjaer was quick to deny the suggestion that Greenwood has been late for training on more than one occasion though.
"I have to disappoint you... he’s never ever late for training," he added. "I’ve seen some ex-United players talking about him and they don’t know what they’re talking about and they can see every day. I don’t know where these stories have come from.
"He’s got a good family behind him, academy and he’s a good trainer and I cannot believe all these stories about him not being professional, that’s something we have to deal with many players, many other players at United have had that.”
Solskjaer will welcome the return of Greenwood to his frontline given that we are yet to see the best from him so far this season.
Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to welcome back Mason Greenwood to the fold (Image: GETTY)
Greenwood has managed just one goal which came in the Carabao Cup win at Luton in September.
He hit an impressive 17 goals in all competitions last season and Solskjaer deems him to be the future of United's attack.
The former United is also cautious of the attention Greenwood is receiving because he came through the club's academy.
However, his return comes at the best possible time for United, who are set to face Chelsea, RB Leipzig and Arsenal in an eight-day stretch.
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