OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is furious with the FA and Gareth Southgate over their handling of Mason Greenwood.
The Manchester United boss revealed that they pleaded with the Three Lions boss not to call the 18-year-old up for his debut against Iceland as he needed a rest.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has blasted England over their treatment of Mason GreenwoodCredit: AFP – Getty
The United boss pleaded with Gareth Southgate not to call the forward up for international dutyCredit: Rex Features
But Solskjaer was shocked that not only was he called up but immediately put in front of the media to do a press conference.
Following the game against Iceland Greenwood was kicked out the squad having, with Phil Foden, invited two girls back to the team hotel.
Solskjaer said: “The kid had a fantastic season, he’s just come through and I’ve worked and the club have worked really hard about giving Mason enough time on the pitch and exposure in the media.
“Then you come to the end of the season and we’ve had less than two weeks off and he’s called up.
“I tried my best to give him a rest over the summer, we asked specifically that he should have had a rest, he needs it mentally and physically and the first thing that happens he’s called up and right there in the press.
“We’ve done what we can to protect him, I’ve done what I can to help him, when he comes back into the daily routine he’ll be fine.”
Solskjaer said it was clear from Greenwood’s England press conference that he wasn’t even sure which season he was in, such was the short break between playing in the last stage of the Europa League and being called up for the Three Lions.
Solskjaer said: “He needed a rest. I look at the interview and he’s talking about looking at this season when it’s over and it’s the first day of new season, he’s an 18-year-old kid who needs managing.”
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While Solskjaer admitted that he has had to talk to Greenwood about his indiscretion while with England he remains very much part of his first team squad going into United’s season opener at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
He said: “Yeah, he’s part of the group. With the testing and Covid protocols, he trained by himself for a little while and as soon as possible he’s been a big part of this group.
“This is where we feels at home, we have got people looking after him.”
Solskjaer also added that Harry Maguire will start the season with his summer of trouble in the back of his mind.
Maguire was arrested and charged for an altercation with Greek police while on holiday in Mykonos.
He said: “Knowing Harry, he’s a very strong character and can put that apart but as a human being it’ll be in the back of his mind.
“You have to see how it develops. Personally I think he’ll be able to focus on his football but you can’t predict how people will react but he’s trained well and is focused.”
Solskjaer was fuming at the treatment of his young hotshotCredit: AFP
Nadia Sif Lindal was one of the two girls Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden snuck into the England hotel
Mason Greenwood’s Icelandic beauty tells of ‘heated’ romp with striker after he scoffed bag of jelly babies
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
