Ten Hag warns towards Greenwood distraction for Man Utd

Manchester United supervisor Erik ten Hag advised his gamers to not be distracted by Mason Greenwood’s future on Friday, 24 hours after prison costs towards the 21-year-old ahead have been dropped.

Greenwood had been dealing with costs together with tried rape and assault, however prosecutors mentioned the case had been discontinued following the withdrawal of key witnesses and “new materials that got here to gentle”.

United issued an announcement on Thursday saying the membership would now “conduct its personal course of earlier than figuring out subsequent steps”.

In a brief assertion launched on his behalf, Greenwood mentioned he was “relieved the matter is now over”.

At a pre-match press convention on Friday, Ten Hag refused to be drawn on the topic.

“I can not add something,” mentioned the Dutch supervisor, in his first season at Previous Trafford. “I consult with the assertion of the membership.”

Greenwood, who has two and a half years left on his contract, has been suspended from each coaching and taking part in for United since his arrest in January 2022.

However with United nonetheless concerned in 4 competitions, Ten Hag is eager for his gamers to be centered on the job at hand.

“That is our job, to not get distracted by something,” Ten Hag added. “We’re human beings and generally there are points, we aren’t like robots, however we have now to give attention to our job.

“We now have so many games so we do not have time to get distracted by something. It is not simple however that’s our job.”

Ten Hag has been credited with remodeling United’s fortunes as they sit fourth within the Premier League and reached the League Cup remaining this week for the primary time in six years.

– Purse strings tightened –

However fatigue may halt their progress with the Purple Devils additionally nonetheless within the operating for the FA Cup and Europa League.

Ten Hag was solely ready so as to add three mortgage signings: Marcel Sabitzer, Wout Weghorst and Jack Butland in January because the purse strings at Previous Trafford have been tightened because the Glazer household discover the potential for promoting the membership.

“In fact we’d like gamers to cowl that as a result of there’s a restrict on each participant however I feel we have now a depth in our squad,” mentioned Ten Hag.

“Possibly not that far as different groups however that additionally has one thing to do along with your method to it and the way you do your load administration. In the event you try this proper, I feel we are able to go far.”

Sabitzer may go straight into the aspect for Saturday’s match towards Crystal Palace following a deadline-day mortgage transfer from Bayern Munich.

“He did just one session however you may see he is a really match participant,” mentioned Ten Hag, who signed the Austrian after playmaker Christian Eriksen was dominated out till early Could.

“I did not have completely different expectations coming from Bayern Munich. In Germany their health is all the time good. I feel he is able to play.”

United defender Raphael Varane introduced his retirement from worldwide football on Thursday after a France profession during which he gained the World Cup in 2018 and completed as a runner-up final yr in Qatar.

France’s loss could possibly be United’s acquire if the 29-year-old former Actual Madrid centre-back is ready to prolong his membership profession.

“For United, I feel it is excellent news,” Ten Hag mentioned. “Rapha achieved all the pieces when it comes to football club-wise but additionally together with his nation.

“It’s unimaginable what he achieved, large respect, and I’m glad he places all his vitality and expertise into the workforce.”

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