Southgate ‘left furious’ by Solskjaer’s comments on Mason Greenwood

Gareth Southgate has reportedly been infuriated by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s comments about England selecting Man Utd youngster Mason Greenwood.

The 18-year-old found himself in hot water while away on international duty after breaching coronavirus restrictions in Iceland by inviting some local girls to the team hotel.

Greenwood was sent home by the FA, along with teammate Phil Foden, just days after both made their senior England debuts.

The United forward was rewarded for his good club form with the call-up, but Solskjaer has since suggested it was a bad decision.

Solskjaer said: “The club secretary put a request into the FA,” said Solskjaer. “Maybe I should have got hold of Gareth’s number.

“He’s not called me after either so next time I speak to him we’ll discuss it.

“He’s an 18-year-old who needs managing. The kid had a fantastic season and we asked specifically he should have had a rest. He needs it mentally and physically.”

The comments from the United boss have now angered Southgate, as reports The Mail , as well as FA chiefs.

One of the main gripes for Solskjaer was England putting Greenwood up for interview even though United have kept him away from media duties.

Manchester United are looking to plot their path back to the top. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already brought in Donny van de Beek but Jadon Sancho remains Manchester United’s number one target.

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Solskjaer said: “The first thing that happens is, one, he’s called up and, two, he’s right there in the press.

“OK, you call him up but you don’t have to put him in front of the world’s cameras. We’ve done what we can to protect him.”

This perplexed those in command at the FA as they feel United offered no opposition to Greenwood being called up or being put forward for interview.

Are Solskjaer’s comments over Greenwood fair? Have your say below.

In addition, they were confused that Solskjaer does not already have Southgate’s personal number given the constant dialogue between club and country, particularly following the recent issues involving United captain Harry Maguire.

Southgate offered his staunch backing to Maguire over his criminal allegations in Greece but has now ultimately been left disappointed by Solskjaer’s reaction over Greenwood.

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