Ten Hag sends Mason Greenwood warning to his Man Utd team
Friday, hours after criminal charges against Mason Greenwood were dropped, Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag told his players not to be distracted by his future.
Greenwood had been charged with attempted rape and assault, but prosecutors say the case has been dropped due to the withdrawal of key witnesses and the discovery of “new evidence.”
United released a statement on Thursday stating that the club would “conduct its own investigation before determining next steps.”
In a brief statement released on his behalf, Greenwood expressed relief that the matter has been resolved.
Friday during a pre-game press conference, Ten Hag refused to comment on the subject. “I can’t add anything,” said the Dutch manager, in his first season at Old Trafford. “I refer to the statement of the club.”
Since his arrest in January 2022, Greenwood, who has two and a half years remaining on his contract, has been suspended from both training and playing for United.
Despite United’s continued participation in four competitions, Ten Hag wants his players to remain focused on the task at hand.
“That’s our job, not to get distracted by anything,” Ten Hag added. “We are human beings and sometimes there are issues, we are not like robots, but we have to focus on our job.
“We have so many games so we don’t have time to get distracted by anything. It’s not easy but that is our job.”
United are currently fourth in the Premier League and reached the League Cup final this week for the first time in six years, a feat attributed to Ten Hag.
The Red Devils are also still in contention for the FA Cup and Europa League, so fatigue could impede their progress.
Ten Hag was only able to make three loan signings in January: Marcel Sabitzer, Wout Weghorst, and Jack Butland, as Old Trafford tightened its purse strings as the Glazer family considered selling the club.
“Of course we need players to cover that because there is a limit on every player but I think we have a depth in our squad,” said Ten Hag.
“Maybe not that far as other teams but that also has something to do with your approach to it and how you do your load management. If you do that right, I think we can go far.”
Sabitzer could make his debut against Crystal Palace on Saturday following a deadline-day loan transfer from Bayern Munich.
“He did only one session but you can see he’s a very fit player,” said Ten Hag, who signed the Austrian after playmaker Christian Eriksen was ruled out until early May.
“I didn’t have different expectations coming from Bayern Munich. In Germany their fitness is always good. I think he is ready to play.”
Raphael Varane, a defender for Manchester United, announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, following a France career in which he won the 2018 World Cup and finished runner-up in Qatar in 2022.
If the 29-year-old former Real Madrid central defender can extend his club career, United could benefit.
“For United, I think it’s good news,” Ten Hag said. “Rapha achieved everything in terms of football club-wise but also with his nation.
“It is incredible what he achieved, big respect, and I am happy he puts all his energy and experience into the team.”
Ten Hag sends Mason Greenwood warning to his Man Utd team
