Solskjaer: We'll look after Mason
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said that Mason Greenwood needed a physical and mental rest after his breakthrough season at Manchester United, when asked about the teenager’s problems during the recent international break.
The young forward was sent home from Iceland while on England duty, and the boss revealed that he had tried to ensure that the 18-year-old was kept away from the football limelight.
“The kid had a fantastic season, he’s just come through,” assessed Solskjaer. “I’ve worked, and the club and the staff have worked really hard when we gave 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 to the national team.
“I have to be honest enough to say I tried my best to give him a rest over the summer. We, the club, asked specifically and pointed out that he needed a rest physically and mentally after that season he had.
Watch all of Greenwood's goals in 2019/20 Video
Watch all of Greenwood's goals in 2019/20
Mason scored 17 goals in the 2019/20 season: 10 in the Premier League, five in Europe and two in the domestic cups...
“The first thing that happens, he’s called up and then he’s right there in the press [conference]. We’ve done whatever we can to protect him. I will keep on helping him and I know that when he comes back into the daily routine of the club, and what we do with him, he will be fine.
“Of course I speak to Mason, and I’ve spoke to Mason,” continued the boss. “Obviously, what we speak about will be between the two of us.”
Greenwood, who scored 17 goals in his first full campaign with the senior team, was required to train away from the squad upon his return from Iceland due to COVID-19 restrictions.
But Ole confirmed that the Bradford-born goalscorer is training with the group once more, and expects him to be available for Saturday’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace, if selected.
“Yeah, he’s part of the group, yeah. With his testing and the COVID protocols, he trained by himself for a little while, he had some tests done, and of course as soon as it was possible, he’s with us,” said Ole.
“He’s a big part of the group. This is where he feels at home, this is where he’s – you wouldn’t call it ‘comfortable’, we challenge him – but we’ve got people looking after him.”
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Greenwood: My top 3 goals
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The manager explained that Greenwood had followed a closely designed progression plan during 2019/20, but that the club and those outside it must remember he is a young footballer and a young man.
“We had a plan with him throughout the [last] season and I think it worked really well,” stressed Solskjaer. “But he needed a rest.
“I look at the interview he did for the FA in the first national team game, he’s talking about maybe looking back at this season when it’s over, and that’s actually on the first day of this new season. So we have to understand that it’s an 18-year-old kid there who needs managing.”
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