Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick said on Thursday that the club’s arrest and suspension of Mason Greenwood was a factor in the decision to keep Jesse Lingard at Old Trafford. Greenwood was arrested Sunday for allegedly raping and assaulting a young woman. While still in custody, the 20-year-old was further arrested Tuesday on charges of assault and threat of murder. United kicked off Rangnick’s pre-match press conference by saying the German would not answer questions about Greenwood, who was released on bail on Wednesday, while a police investigation was underway.
Rangnick insisted United had a “normal” week of training ahead of Friday’s FA Cup fourth round match against Middlesbrough, despite Greenwood’s distraction.
“Of course I think it was a topic within the team, but it’s all people and Mason was part of the group until before we had our break,” Rangnick said.
“But, as I said, it was a good week of training. We were able to train under normal conditions and look forward to tomorrow’s game.”
Rangnick said Greenwood’s unavailability played a part in the decision to keep Lingard, who was scheduled to leave before the close on Monday and was linked with a loan transfer to Newcastle.
“It was two things,” he said. “One thing was clear that we had a problem with Mason Greenwood and that we don’t have a player who has played regularly in recent weeks.
“And on the other hand, the club could not find an agreement with any other club.”
Rangnick revealed that England midfielder Lingard, who has struggled for playing time this season, had been given the weekend off to clear his head after failing to get a move.
“He asked me and the club if we could give him a few days off to clear his head and he will be back in the group next Monday I think, back for training and then a regular part of the whole thing his. team again,” Rangnick said.
But French midfielder Paul Pogba, 28, will be part of the squad for the Middlesbrough game at Old Trafford.
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Pogba, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has not played for United since the Champions League draw against Atalanta on November 2, after suffering a thigh injury during his international match with France.
“Paul will be part of the group,” Rangnick said. “Maybe he is even in the starting line-up. There are still a few players missing.”
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