Man Utd forward Greenwood tests positive for COVID-19 and misses Watford clash

Mason Greenwood has been left out of Manchester United’s matchday squad to face Watford and is self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19.

Greenwood has played 799 minutes across 10 Premier League appearances for United so far this season, scoring four goals – level with Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes as the club’s top scorers in the competition.

The youngster also leads his club in the league for shots taken (31) and has scored his four goals despite recording an expected goals value of 2.06, with only Ronaldo (4.32) and Fernandes (2.36) managing higher figures.

United’s head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed the reason for the youngster’s absence before his side’s clash with 17th-placed Watford.

“Mason has got COVID, unfortunately,” Solskjaer told the club’s official website ahead of the game. “He’s tested positive, so we’ll wait for him to get back.”

We hope to have you back with us soon, @MasonGreenwood #MUFC | #WATMUN

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 20, 2021

In Greenwood’s absence, fellow Englishmen Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have been handed starts as Solskjaer returns to a back four after losing 2-0 to rivals Manchester City in their last league outing.

Eric Bailly and Fred have also been dropped to the bench from that game, with Nemanja Matic taking the latter’s place alongside Scott McTominay in midfield.

United have lost four of their last six leagues games, as many as they had in their last 40 matches in the competition, to leave them in sixth – 11 points behind leaders Chelsea.