Manchester United is reportedly considering making a U-turn from their decision to integrate Mason Greenwood into their first team. The return of Greenwood to Old Trafford now looks unlikely as the supporters of the club are not ready to welcome back the young player.
Manchester United’s chief executive Richard Arnold had reportedly planned to announce the return of Greenwood to the club staff next week. However, the news of the potential return was leaked by outlets, which caused a huge backlash from the supporters.
Furthermore, as per The Athletic, some members of the club were even contemplating the option of strike and resignation had the English club gone ahead with their plan of bringing the player back to the team.
Breaking: Mason Greenwood is set to be dumped out of #mufc‘s squad following a U-turn over the backlash from fans [@ncustisTheSun] pic.twitter.com/WIzQYMCnSp
— utdreport (@utdreport) August 19, 2023
Mason Greenwood was charged with attempted r*pe and assault on his former partner, Harriet Robson. The 21-year-old was banned from appearing for the Red Devils since his arrest. Furthermore, the club set up an internal investigation regarding the player’s conduct off the pitch after the charges against him were dropped last February.
As per reports, United have concluded their investigation and were prepared to announce the potential return of the English player next week. However, that has since been shelved due to the lack of support from the fans and their internal staff members.
Rachel Riley to stop supporting Manchester United if Mason Greenwood returns
Television presenter Rachel Riley has come forward to say that she will stop supporting her club United if Greenwood returns to the club.
Riley shared on her social media saying, “I won’t be able to support United if Greenwood remains at the club. As an example, when it comes to VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls), less than 1 percent of r*pes reported to police lead to conviction. We’ve all seen and heard enough. Pretending this is ok would be a huge part of the problem.”
I’m with Em, I won’t be able to support United if Greenwood remains at the club.
As an example, when it comes to VAWG, less than 1% of rapes reported to police lead to conviction.
We’ve all seen and heard enough.
Pretending this is ok would be a huge part of the problem. https://t.co/0tCPVooXdt
— Rachel Riley MBE 💙 (@RachelRileyRR) August 17, 2023
She further added, “It would be devastating for my club to contribute to a culture that brushes this under the carpet and send a message to perpetrators everywhere that you can continue to act as you wish with no consequences. I really hope they do the right thing.”
Moreover, the Manchester United Women’s team had voiced their concerns about the potential return of Greenwood. They were supported by a group calling themselves ‘Female Fans Against Greenwood’s Return’ who even released a strong-worded statement against his return to the squad.