ENGLAND SNUB IS A REALITY CHECK FOR GREENWOOD
Ole hopes rising star will now focus on his career
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has told Mason Greenwood to use his England omission as a reality check to ensure his career does not go off the rails.
The Manchester United forward was left out of Gareth Southgate’s latest squad, along with Manchester City’s Phil Foden, after the pair were sent home from international duty in disgrace last month.
Greenwood and Foden broke strict Covid-19 protocols, by inviting two women into the team hotel in Reykjavik, following England’s 1- 0 Nations League win over Iceland.
Southgate decided to omit the duo for next week’s friendly against Wales, as well as the
Nations League double-header against Belgium and Denmark, all at Wembley.
Solskjaer spoke with Southgate prior to the punishment being made public, with the United boss urging Greenwood to use the time to reflect on where he wants his career to go.
“Mason is one of the top strikers of the future for England and I’m sure he’s going to play many games for them,” said Solskjaer.
“This has been a learning curve for him. Mason has to reflect where he’s at, what he needs to do, and how to get to where he wants to get.
“I had a very nice chat with Gareth about our players, the England possibles. Games are important for players to get some minutes. But we’ll get loads of training in for Mason and I respect Gareth’s decision.” Greenwood is expected to start tomorrow’s visit of Tottenham, which sees former United boss Jose Mourinho back at Old Trafford following his sacking in December 2018.
Solskjaer and Mourinho have traded jibes in the past week, although the former brushed them off as a bit of fun, claiming he has huge respect for his predecessor.
“We’re in strange times at the moment and sometimes you’ve got to have a bit of fun,” said Solskjaer. “It was just a couple of innocent comments.
“Jose is a very charismatic coach and manager, and you’ve all enjoyed talking to him in the media. I’ve enjoyed watching him. He’s a winner.
“But I’m not one who really goes into all these ‘ mind games’. I’ve got ultimate respect for him as a coach, his results, and everything that he’s given football.”
Mourinho’s latest swipe at Solskjaer saw him suggest the Norwegian would like the 18-yard box extended to 22 yards, a not-so-subtle dig at United’s perceived propensity for winning penalties.
“No, the rules are as they are in football, aren’t they?” added Solskjaer, smiling. “I didn’t really think more about that one.
“Jose has given us fantastic moments, both in his press conferences and on the pitch.
“But, as a striker, I didn’t mind how big the box was when I got in there. It was just a strike on goal.”