Ralf Rangnick: players talking about Greenwood but training has been good

Ralf Rangnick has acknowledged that Mason Greenwood’s arrest was discussed by Manchester United players but said the squad had trained well this week.

Greenwood was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of rape and assault and further arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of sexual assault and making threats to kill. The forward was released on bail on Wednesday. He remains under investigation and is suspended from training and playing for United until further notice.

Rangnick, whose team host Middlesbrough in Friday’s fourth-round FA Cup tie, was asked whether this had been a difficult few days because of the situation with Greenwood.

“In fact, we had a normal week of training with five training sessions including today’s training,” the interim manager said. “Obviously it was a topic within the team but they’re human beings and Mason was part of the group before we had our [winter] break. We are looking forward to the game tomorrow.”

Rangnick said that Jesse Lingard staying rather than leaving on loan was due partly to Greenwood’s unavailability. “In a way, yes,” he said. “We had a problem with Mason Greenwood and being without a player for the time being who has played in [recent] weeks and, together with the club not finding an agreement with another club [for Lingard], this is why he stayed. Three weeks ago Jesse didn’t want to leave, then changed his mind.”

Lingard, who is unhappy at not going on loan, has requested time off. “Jesse asked if we could give him a couple of days to clear his mind,” Rangnick said. “He will be back in training on Monday and part of the squad.”

Paul Pogba may start against Middlesbrough after recovering from a calf injury that has ruled out the midfielder for three months. “He might be in the XI,”