Manchester United are ready to make a shock U-turn on their initial decision to re-integrate Mason Greenwood into their squad following massive backlash from fans, it has been reported.
The Englishman was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in January 2022, though the case has since been dropped after a key witness removed themselves from the prosecution.
Greenwood has denied these claims, though audio evidence posted on social media has left him guilty in the eyes of plenty on social media.
Manchester United have been investigating the situation privately since February, and the Athletic report that the plan had been to announce his reintegration on August 4th, along with a video explaining the situation.
Manchester United v West Ham United – Premier League MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 22: Mason Greenwood of Manchester United runs with the ball from Tomas Soucek of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on January 22, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
However, this decision has faced massive backlash on social media, with charities, politicians and journalists among those to publicly distance themselves from United’s decision to add him back into the fold for the upcoming campaign.
As per the Sun, this publicity has forced Manchester United to re-evalute their stance on the situation, and they claim that ‘Manchester United are set to dump the star out of the squad’ and that the club executives ‘now believe there can be no way back’ for the 21-year-old.
Television personality Rachel Riley had previously said that she would stop supporting the club if they welcomed Greenwood back, while there had been widespread condemnation of the move.
United similarly caved to media pressure 12 months ago, when they were put off signing Marko Arnautovic, who has been accused of using racist language in the past.