After being left out of the England squad in the October international break for games against Belgium, Denmark and Wales, Mason Greenwood has once again been left out in the cold by Gareth Southgate. This time, however, according to Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic, the forward’s omission comes at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s request.
Whitwell reports that Solskjaer believed that Greenwood needed to stay within the United ranks, away from England duty, and back into the routine of healthier habits. Greenwood, also left out of the Manchester United squad to face Everton, may feel as though rest is needed, too, after being reported as ill by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer going into the game.
Greenwood England Omission at Solskjaer’s Request
Poor Start to the Season
Following a flying start to his Manchester United career last season, in which he scored 17 goals in the senior team, many expected Greenwood to improve even further at Old Trafford this season. As it happens, however, things have since gone in the opposite direction with the forward struggling for form, scoring just two goals.
So perhaps a break from action isn’t a bad idea, after all. Just last season, the 19-year-old played a total of 51 games before a shortened pre-season saw a quick turnaround to the new season in which Greenwood has featured on the eight occasions.
The fact of the matter is, the teenager has looked in desperate need of a rest and reset to refind those often magic boots we so often saw him take to the pitch on last season. His lack of international involvement allows him to refocus and further develop under the guidance of Solskjaer.
Perhaps this rest will see a return to form for Greenwood, away from the pressures of England, and comfortably at home in Manchester, gaining much-needed respite.
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