Ole Gunnar Solskjaer defends Mason Greenwood and blasts ex-Man United players for criticising him

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has defended Mason Greenwood over the Manchester United teenager’s professionalism.

United are said to have spoken to Greenwood over his discipline, specifically being late for training on several occasions.

The 19-year-old striker has been left out of the last two games against Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain, with Solskjaer blaming his absence on a slight injury. 

Mason Greenwood is ‘never late’ as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s defended his professionalism

The Manchester United boss also criticised former players who have questioned Greenwood

The latest reports over Greenwood’s attitude follow his expulsion from the England squad last month after he and Manchester City star Phil Foden met up with two girls at the team hotel in Iceland.

However, Solskjaer was quick to give Greenwood his support ahead of Saturday’s game at home to Chelsea.

‘We have a great tradition and history of bringing our players through,’ said the United boss. 

‘That means from early on you get good habits, we trust you and you express yourself. Mason has come through this programme, he’s done fantastic and will be kicking on I’m sure. He’s a very exciting boy to work with.’

Greenwood was left out of the England squad this season for disciplinary reasons after he and Phil Foden broke Covid protocols by meeting with two girls at the team hotel in Iceland

 The 19-year-old has been left out of the United squad for recent games at Newcastle and PSG

Asked if Greenwood has made a target of himself, he added: ‘You do when you play well. I’m not concerned at all with Mason making a target of himself. 

‘He came in, played fantastic, played his first league against Tottenham last season and was brilliant and just kicked on. Yes, he’s made a mistake for England.

‘He’s a fantastic boy to work with. He’s never, ever late for training. He’s never a problem when he’s at the training ground. He’s always on time. 

‘We’ve got photographers outside the training ground every day so they can see he’s on time every day. He’s got a good family behind him, he’s got a good background in the academy and he’s a good trainer. He trains really well.

‘I’ve seen some ex United players talking about him and they don’t know what they’re talking about. That’s something we have to deal with. Many other players at United have had that.’

Solskjaer confirmed that Greenwood could return to the squad against Chelsea with captain Harry Maguire and new signing Edinson Cavani also possibilities.

‘I hope and expect all three to be available for selection,’ he said. ‘We’ve got a training session this morning but they’ve all got a chance, all of them.

‘Edinson wants to tick all the boxes that he’s gone through in his programme to be ready and make an impact. 

‘The last preparation is today and will have a discussion, and yesterday everything seemed positive with Marcus and Harry.’