This morning we posted a picture explaining that Mason Greenwood had recently lost a friend to suicide, which the player liked on Instagram, because it could go some way to explaining his current situation.
To highlight the issue, former United defender turned Sky Sports pundit, Gary Neville, drew attention to our tweet.
It should make people think twice before abusing players in the future… but knowing social media, I’m doubtful to say the least.
👇👇👇👇😡 https://t.co/u9k3T9g6i2
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) November 11, 2020
Now Andy Cole has jumped to the defence of the teenager amid the intense scrutiny he finds himself under.
United’s academy graduate has been unfairly hounded after breaching coronavirus protocols while away on England duty, according to Cole, who believes the striker should be judged on his ability as a footballer.
Cole has called for the media to get off Greenwood’s back.
“He’s a star in the making. If he gets his head right then he’s definitely a star in the making. One hundred per cent,” Cole told The Mirror.
“I’m hoping he will come through this. What’s really upset me through this situation is I’m not sure why everyone keeps hounding him the way they do.
“He’s a baby. If you don’t make mistakes when you’re a baby, when do you make your mistakes? In your 50s? He’s a boy and he’s made mistakes, he’s held his hands up, let him go out there and play his football.
“Now judge him on his football because if we’re judging him as an 18-year-old boy against what the average 18-year-old gets up to then we’ll see what they all get up to.
“Judge him on his ability, he’s made a mistake and apologised and now, please, just let him play his football now. They’ve left Foden alone, but let’s continue to hammer Greenwood. It’s just not right.
“He’s got so much to his game, he can go both sides, he can score goals and do everything. I’m sure that he can come through this.”
The teenaged faced a lot of criticism in the aftermath of the incident, and The Athletic this week suggested that Solskjaer had a phone call with England manager Gareth Southgate to offer advice on omitting Greenwood from the latest squad.
Hopefully Greenwood bounces back after the November international break.
Read more: Andy Cole predicts how long it will take Manchester United to return to glories of the past
