Man Utd 'considering Mason Greenwood U-turn' after fierce online backlash
Manchester United have been rocked by the backlash over the possibility of reinstating Mason Greenwood and are now reportedly considering a U-turn.
United are yet to make a firm decision over the future of Greenwood, who has not played for the club since January 2022. They have been carrying out an internal investigation after charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in February.
The club released a statement on Wednesday following speculation that chief executive Richard Arnold had briefed club staff about the intention to bring Greenwood back into Erik ten Hag’s squad. They denied a decision had been made either way and said “intensive internal deliberation” was continuing.
Manchester Evening News now reports that the ferocious reaction to Greenwood’s potential return has led club executives to consider a U-turn. TV presenter Rachel Riley has been one of the most high-profile fans to voice their discontent, saying she would stop supporting the club were Greenwood to return, while banners were displayed at Old Trafford for the first game of the season against Wolves.
The MEN reports that United are reluctant to address the matter ahead of the Premier League game against Tottenham on Saturday evening and before the Women's World Cup final between England and Spain on Sunday. Mirror Football have contacted the club to seek comment.
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Ahead of the trip to Tottenham, Ten Hag was asked whether he envisions Greenwood playing for him this season. He said: “I am focussing on games, focussing on my team and focussing on the players who are available, for the rest I refer to the statement the club made.”
Wednesday’s statement read: "Following the dropping of all charges against Mason Greenwood in February 2023, Manchester United has conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations made against him," the statement reads.
Mason Greenwood's future at Manchester United is yet to be decided (Getty Images)"This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain, and we have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case. Throughout this process, the welfare and perspective of the alleged victim has been central to the club’s inquiries, and we respect her right to lifelong anonymity.
"We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner. The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future.
"Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation. Responsibility ultimately rests with the Chief Executive Officer. Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders.
"This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain. We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process."
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