Ralf Rangnick has acknowledged that Mason Greenwood’s arrest was discussed by Manchester United players but said the squad had trained well this week.
Greenwood was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of rape and assault and further arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of sexual assault and making threats to kill. The forward was released on bail on Wednesday. He remains under investigation and is suspended from training and playing for United until further notice.
Rangnick, whose team host Middlesbrough in Friday’s fourth-round FA Cup tie, was asked whether this had been a difficult few days because of the situation with Greenwood.
“We had a normal week of training with five training sessions including today’s training,” Rangnick said. “Obviously it was a topic within the team but they’re human beings and Mason was part of the group before we had our [winter] break. We are looking forward to the game.
“We had internal discussions but I’m pretty sure everyone will understand those internal discussions should stay internal. It’s an unusual situation for everybody.”
Rangnick stated that Jesse Lingard staying rather than leaving on loan was due partly to Greenwood’s unavailability. “In a way, yes,” he said. “We had a problem with Mason Greenwood and being without a player for the time being who has played in [recent] weeks and, together with the club not finding an agreement with another club [for Lingard], this is why he stayed.
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“Three weeks ago Jesse didn’t want to leave, then changed his mind. If he shows up [performs well] in training he has all the chances to get game time here.”
Lingard, unhappy at not going on loan, had requested time off according to Rangnick. “Jesse asked if we could give him a couple of days to clear his mind,” the interim manager said. “He will be back in training on Monday and part of the squad.”
Yet on Thursday evening Lingard seemed to dispute Rangnick’s claim. In a tweet he said: “The club advised me to have time off due to personal reasons! But my headspace is clear and I’ll always be professional when called upon and give 100 percent.”
The club advised me to have time off due to personal reasons! But my headspace is clear and I’ll always be professional when called upon and give 100 percent
— Jesse Lingard (@JesseLingard) February 3, 2022
Paul Pogba may start against Middlesbrough after recovering from a calf injury that has ruled out the midfielder for three months. “He might be in the XI,” said Rangnick. “I’ll be excited myself to see how Paul is doing.
For me he is now a new player and can show me and the team and the fans and everyone in England what high level he can play. Let’s just wait and see what he can show.”
Edinson Cavani has been granted time off after playing for Uruguay and Alex Telles will also not feature against Middlesbrough after playing for Brazil, so Luke Shaw will start. Victor Lindelöf misses out with an illness and Eric Bailly has an ankle injury that rules him out.
United have confirmed that fans can exchange a shirt with Greenwood’s name on the back for a replacement with another player’s name.
