Man United fans protest against Mason Greenwood’s potential reintegration into the team ahead of their first game of the season… with ‘spineless’ club told ‘not to leave the decision up to the women’s team’
- Manchester United fans have staged a protest ahead of their first game
- The club are still to decide on a decision over Greenwood’s future at the club
- WATCH: ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ – Episode 1 – Mail Sport’s brand new football show
Manchester United fans have carried out a protest against the prospect of Mason Greenwood’s return to the team ahead of their season opener against Wolves.
The 21-year-old was arrested in January 2022 and suspended on full pay by United a short time later after charges of alleged rape and assault were made against him.
However, the Crown Prosecution Service announced in February of this year that the charges had been dropped after ‘key witnesses’ withdrew their involvement.
United then released a short statement explaining how they would conduct an internal investigation to decide his future – something that has not yet been resolved – with a decision expected shortly on whether or not he will remain at the club.
A group of United fans though have made their feelings clear outside Old Trafford ahead of tonight’s 8pm Premier League kick-off against Wolves. Their protest coincided with a separate demonstration from supporters against the Glazers’ ownership of the club.
A group of Man United supporters have protested before the club’s first home game of the season, outlining their opposition to reintegrating Mason Greenwood into the first team
One fan held up sign telling them not to ‘not leave the decision up to the women’s team’ labelling the club as ‘spineless motherless f****’
Greenwood has an internal investigation into his future ongoing after rape and assault charges against him were dropped back in February, with a decision on his future expected imminently
The supporters gathered near the Holy Trinity statue outside the ground, displaying a banner which read: ‘Female fans demand no Greenwood return – end violence against women.’
Another fan was seen raising a sign which said: ‘Don’t leave the decision up to the women’s team you spineless motherless f****.’
Mail Sport previously reported that the club had moved a step closer towards bringing Greenwood back into the fold as they sought final approval from the women’s team, along with club sponsors and fans’ groups.
It is understood that United have made their decision after the findings of a six-month internal investigation were handed to chief executive Richard Arnold.
They will now enter a consultation period including speaking to the women’s team — some of whom are at the World Cup — to ratify the move.
An announcement was said to be imminent before tonight’s game, but it was delayed with the club insisting that the communication of their decision to key stakeholders is more important than any arbitrary deadline.
It remains to be seen if Greenwood would then rejoin the United squad once he has regained full fitness or be sent out on loan, possibly abroad, to keep him out of the spotlight as much as possible.
Greenwood has been seen training away from the team this summer, though he did have a session with Anthony Elanga in Dubai before the winger joined Nottingham Forest.
Greenwood hasn’t played for United since a 1-0 win over West Ham back on January 22, 2022
The 21-year-old has been training privately as his club makes their decision on reintegration
Last week, one of the organisers explained the reason for the protest saying: ‘It’s time for the club to stand up and make the right decision.
‘It’s time to say, “We have high standards at United about how we expect players to conduct themselves and, if you do not meet those standards, you need to be moved out.”
‘This is a tipping point for the club. Are they going to side with commercialism and trophies and money? Or are they going to take the side of match-going fans and the club being a social and community institution that we can be proud of, and proud to have as part of our identity?’
It coincided with another protest outside Old Trafford against the Glazers’ ownership of the club
Erik ten Hag could decide on a full phased reintegration or sending the player out on loan should United keep him on at Old Trafford
Their protest is not the only one at Old Trafford this evening, with another group, The 1958, staging fresh anti-Glazer protests over the owners’ refusal to sell up.
One banner appeared to call for United fans to stage a ‘sit-in’ for one hour after their clash with Nottingham Forest on August 26 – their next home game.
It read: ‘Sell the club. 60 min sit in after Forest. We want Glazers out.’ Another of banners also read: ‘Glazers Out.’
If Greenwood was to remain with his boyhood club, a previous report from The Athletic outlined how a phased reintegration could take place which would include encouragement from United for the forward to take part in rehabilitation, which would initially include counselling or therapy.
This could also include facing a TV interview and one which The Athletic reports as ‘in which he is challenged on the events that have taken him to this point’.
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The ultimate decision on his future will come from the very top, with chief executive Richard Arnold expected to have the responsibility based on the club’s internal investigation and report.
Greenwood’s future remains a contentious topic on all sides with there believed to be a difference in opinion on what should be done between the football and commercial departments at United, while he has already been dropped by Nike as a sponsored athlete.
The forward’s last match for United was in the 1-0 Premier League win over West Ham on January 22, 2022, with his last goal coming in a 3-1 win at Brentford three days beforehand.
Greenwood’s No 11 shirt number has not been re-allocated. His sole appearance for the England national team was against Iceland in September 2020.
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