Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has asked Gareth Southgate not to include young forward Mason Greenwood in his England squad for the upcoming international break.
The 19-year-old, who hasn't played for his country since being sent home from camp for breaking COVID-19 rules 12 months ago, has been in excellent form for his club this season, bagging three goals in just five outings.
He had been expected to be handed a call-up to Southgate's squad for the October internationals, but according to the Daily Mail, Solskjaer has personally intervened to prevent Greenwood from featuring.
The United boss is keen to protect Greenwood, who he believes needs to be 'handled with care' given the controversy surrounding his England career to date.
Greenwood, alongside Manchester City's Phil Foden, was sent home from Iceland after being caught breaking COVID-19 guidelines by bringing people from outside the team bubble into the hotel.
Those in charge at Old Trafford fear an England call-up would be detrimental to Greenwood as it would put him under increased pressure and scrutiny, while also adding to his already heavy work load.
Southgate had wanted to welcome Greenwood back into the fold but is no longer expected to do so, and the United teenager will not be part of either the senior or the Under-21 setup.
Amid all the uncertainty surrounding his international future, Greenwood has been the subject of interest from Jamaica, who are keen to capitalise on a number of England's fringe players.
However, that is not thought to have any impact in this latest decision and Greenwood's family have reassured the English FA that they are solely focused on the Three Lions. His return to the squad is seen as just a matter of time.
England are set to take on Andorra and Hungary over the October international break, but they will have to tackle the two World Cup qualifiers without Greenwood.
Source : 90min