Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has requested England boss Gareth Southgate keep Mason Greenwood out of the Three Lions squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Hungary.
Greenwood has begun the season in stellar form, bagging three goals in United's five opening Premier League games, including crucial goals against Southampton and Wolves respectively.
The 19-year-old has not featured for England since he was sent home for disciplinary reasons, along with City star Phil Foden - the pair breaking the FA's Covid-19 protocols after inviting visitors back to the team hotel during the trip to Iceland last September.
Solskjaer feels that given that previous incident looming large over Greenwood's international career, the teenager needs to be handled with care and eased back into the international fold.
The concerns stem from not just Solskjaer, but a number of figures within the Old Trafford hierarchy who feel that representing England would place Greenwood under unnecessary scrutiny and pressure at a crucial stage of his development that would be best overseen at United.
There is further speculation over Greenwood's career at international level after it emerged there is interest from the Jamaican national side, whom he remains eligible to represent through his parents until he has made three competitive appearances for England - though that is not thought to be a factor in his non-selection.
Both Greenwood himself and his family have reiterated his desire to represent England, while Southgate feels the player's return is only a matter of time.
Given his experience at the highest level for his club, Southgate will refrain from easing Greenwood back into England matters at Under-21 level as he views him as a senior player.
In the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival, some fans feared Greenwood's development would be stalled but his start to the season is enough of an indicator to confirm he has what it takes to become a regular starter this campaign.
Greenwood was named in the starting eleven for United's clash with Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime.
