Manchester United’s young striker, Mason Greenwood, emerged from a turbulent fortnight on Monday, venturing out in Cheshire alongside teammate Teden Mengi. Despite the disappointment of a 3-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace, Greenwood exuded a sense of calm in Alderley Edge, clad in a casual white T-shirt and black shorts, topped with a baseball cap and sporting running shoes.

Greenwood’s public appearance came in the aftermath of being dropped from the England squad by Gareth Southgate. This followed a breach of quarantine protocols while on international duty in Iceland, where he and Phil Foden arranged for unauthorized visitors to their hotel, prompting scrutiny and an investigation from the Football Association.

Manchester United’s manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, acknowledged the challenges Greenwood has faced at just 18 years old, particularly the demanding season and its short turnaround. Despite efforts to protect and manage him, Greenwood and his teammates suffered further disappointment in their Premier League campaign opener, succumbing to a surprising defeat against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, where former Red Devil Wilfried Zaha scored twice.

Greenwood’s journey reflects the highs and lows of a rising football talent navigating the complexities of fame, scrutiny, and the relentless demands of professional football.