Man Utd perform Mason Greenwood U-turn after players targeted online by fans

14 August 2023 , 16:46

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Manchester United are continuing their investigation over Mason Greenwood (Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United's decision on Mason Greenwood's future will be based on the club's investigation, not the opinions of the women's team.

Greenwood, 21, had charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February. Since then, United have been conducting an internal investigation; discussing the prospect of Greenwood's return with their footballing department, key stakeholders and sponsors.

United had wanted to make a decision before their Premier League opener against Wolves but that timeline has now changed. It had emerged last week that as part of their investigation, the board would also consult players from the club's women's team.

However, a number of United players who are away at the Women's World Cup were subsequently targeted on social media with fans petitioning for them to give the green light for Greenwood to return.

England trio Mary Earps, Katie Zelem and Ella Toone were all targeted on their personal accounts and also in a post on United's official women's page on Instagram, congratulating the Lionesses on their quarter-final win.

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The Athletic now reports that while United will inform their women's team on the decision, and seek feedback, their opinion will not dictate the outcome of the investigation.

United maintain the decision will instead be made by chief executive Richard Arnold, once the investigation has been completed and facts have been established, although there may now be no resolution until September..

United boss Erik ten Hag provided an update on Greenwood during the club's pre-season tour of the United States. "Of course I have said my ideas and opinions but it's a club decision," he said.

"We all have to accept that. I can't say so much about it, but what I say is I shared my opinion about it, so let's see what’s going to happen and what the decision will be."

Liam Prenderville