Erik ten Hag didn’t want to talk about the players who are unavailable to Manchester United, and certainly not about one who, if the club are true to their word, will never be in contention for them again. He was not referencing the alleged off-field conduct that has ended Mason Greenwood’s Old Trafford career when he said he wanted “accountable” footballers, or when he criticised the unacceptable.
Instead, six days on, he remained angered by the manner of United’s defeat by Tottenham. It has been a damaging week for them, the resolution of a six-month investigation into Greenwood nevertheless tainting United’s reputation amid the sense they wanted to keep him, and their admission it was one of the scenarios they planned for. Ten Hag’s refusal to answer if he wanted Greenwood in his squad was explained by his preference to discuss those he can call upon. But their number has been depleted by two: first Mason Mount, out for several weeks with a hamstring strain sustained at Spurs, and then Luke Shaw, ruled out for longer and leaving Ten Hag without both of his senior left backs for perhaps two months. Factor in the loss of three points and United have been harmed.
