London: Interim manager of Manchester United Ralph Rangnik said on Thursday Mason Greenwoodwas a factor in the club’s decision to place the arrest and suspension. Jesse Lingard at Old Trafford.
Greenwood was arrested on Sunday for allegedly raping and assaulting a young woman.
While still in custody, the 20-year-old was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of sexual assault and death threats.
United began Rangnik’s pre-match press conference by saying the German would not question 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.
“Obviously, I think, it was a theme within the team, but they are all humans and Mason was part of the group until we had a break,” Rangnick said.
“But, as I said, it was a good week of training. We could have trained under normal conditions and we are looking forward to tomorrow’s game.”
Rangnick said Greenwood’s unavailability played a part in the decision to keep Lingard, who wanted to leave before the transfer window closes on Monday and has been linked with a loan move to Newcastle.
“It was two things,” he said. “One thing was clearly that we had a problem with Mason Greenwood being without a player he played regularly in the last few weeks.
“And on the other hand, the club did not find any agreement with any other club.”
Rangnik revealed that England midfielder Lingard, who has struggled for the game this season, was 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 to clear his mind and he would be back in the group, I think, next Monday, back to training and then be a regular part of the whole Squad again,” Rangnik said.
But France midfielder Paul Pogba, 28, is set to be part of the squad for the Middlesbrough game at Old Trafford.
Pogba, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has not been for United since the Champions League draw at Atalanta on 2 November following a thigh injury while on international duty with France.
“Paul will be part of the group,” Rangnik said. “He could be in the starting XI as well. Still some players are missing.”
Greenwood was arrested on Sunday for allegedly raping and assaulting a young woman.
While still in custody, the 20-year-old was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of sexual assault and death threats.
United began Rangnik’s pre-match press conference by saying the German would not question 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.
“Obviously, I think, it was a theme within the team, but they are all humans and Mason was part of the group until we had a break,” Rangnick said.
“But, as I said, it was a good week of training. We could have trained under normal conditions and we are looking forward to tomorrow’s game.”
Rangnick said Greenwood’s unavailability played a part in the decision to keep Lingard, who wanted to leave before the transfer window closes on Monday and has been linked with a loan move to Newcastle.
“It was two things,” he said. “One thing was clearly that we had a problem with Mason Greenwood being without a player he played regularly in the last few weeks.
“And on the other hand, the club did not find any agreement with any other club.”
Rangnik revealed that England midfielder Lingard, who has struggled for the game this season, was 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 to clear his mind and he would be back in the group, I think, next Monday, back to training and then be a regular part of the whole Squad again,” Rangnik said.
But France midfielder Paul Pogba, 28, is set to be part of the squad for the Middlesbrough game at Old Trafford.
Pogba, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has not been for United since the Champions League draw at Atalanta on 2 November following a thigh injury while on international duty with France.
“Paul will be part of the group,” Rangnik said. “He could be in the starting XI as well. Still some players are missing.”
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