Football journalist David Ornstein has been sharing some details on Manchester United attacker Mason Greenwood being left out of the latest England squad for their upcoming set of international games.
This comes after Ornstein recently co-hosted the latest episode of The Athletic’s Ornstein & Chapman Podcast where he spoke about a number of topics surrounding English football at the moment.
On the topic of Greenwood and his omission from the England squad, Ornstein had this to say on the matter.
He said: “There’s a lot to take in here, it’s my understanding that Gareth Southgate has conversations with all Premier League managers ahead of naming his squads, he spoke to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, I don’t think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was particularly enthusiastic about the idea of Greenwood being called up or recalled.
“I don’t think he necessarily gave a glowing endorsement of recent things that have been happening for Greenwood and it was mutually agreed by the two of them that he would stay with United and hopefully things can move in the right direction.
“I think everybody wishes the best for Mason Greenwood and hopes that, in time, maturity and experience and development will lead him to flourish on and off the pitch in the years ahead.”
Back in September, Greenwood and Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden were axed from the England squad after breaking quarantine rules in Iceland.
When the latest England squad was announced, it was revealed that Foden had regained his place, but Greenwood was left out.
So far this season, Greenwood has made eight appearances for United across all competitions, in which he has managed to score two goals and provide one assist (per Transfermarkt).
The 19-year-old, who is currently valued at £45 million, was left out of United’s squad for their recent Premier League match against Everton.
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TIF Thoughts on David Ornstein’s comments on Greenwood…
It’s a shame that Greenwood was not included in the latest England squad, but if Solskjaer and Southgate both agreed that it would be better for the teenager to remain at United and focus there instead, then he will have to accept this and realise that both coaches would presumably want what is best for him.
In our view, given the fact that he was left out of United’s squad for their Everton clash, it would appear that he has some work to do before he can get back into the England squad again – though Solskjaer did put his weekend absence down to illness, so perhaps the path back to the United first team, at least, is not as bleak as it may seem.
Hopefully, he can use this international break to continue training at United and get ready for their next Premier League match.