Manchester United’s announcement regarding the return of Mason Greenwood has been delayed, leaving fans and the general public in anticipation. Chief executive Richard Arnold had initially planned to record a video explaining the decision, with Friday, August 4, scheduled as the proposed date for the announcement. However, the club has yet to communicate any decision publicly, leaving room for potential changes to the plan.
Greenwood, 21, has not played for the club since his arrest in January 2022 following allegations of a sexual attack. Charges against Greenwood, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped in February due to the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that made a conviction unlikely. United had stated that they would conduct their own process before determining Greenwood’s future, but no further information has since been released.
Although the precise reason for the delay in the announcement remains unknown, it is speculated that the club wishes to inform key stakeholders, including sponsors, the fan advisory board, former players, and members of the women’s team, before making a public statement. Some theorize that the delay could be due to the absence of key United players who are currently participating in the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
During this time, United’s female players found themselves at the center of a social media storm, as reports suggested that the club had delayed the decision to consult them. Users on social media platforms petitioned United’s female players, including captain Katie Zelem and goalkeeper Mary Earps, regarding Greenwood’s return. Some posts were threatening and menacing in nature, leading to concerns about the players’ safety, with one agent considering seeking cybersecurity support for their client.
The football operations department, including football director John Murtough and head coach Erik ten Hag, reportedly support Greenwood’s reintegration into the team. Ten Hag had previously stated that he had expressed his view on the matter internally. The department argues that United has a duty of care to Greenwood, who has been with the club since the age of seven. Others believe the club’s motivation might stem from Greenwood’s talent and potential, with the player having scored 35 goals in 129 first-team appearances.
However, there are employees within the club who are troubled by the decision and feel that the club does not foster an environment where major decisions can be openly challenged. This is a claim that the club refutes.
Protests against Greenwood’s potential return were staged by some United supporters at Old Trafford, with a banner displaying the message, “Female Fans Demand No Greenwood Return – End Violence Against Women.”
In response to the ongoing speculations, Manchester United released a statement emphasizing their thorough investigation, which involved extensive evidence and perspectives from individuals directly involved or knowledgeable about the case. The welfare and perspective of the alleged victim and Mason Greenwood, as an employee and young person who has been with the club since childhood, were central to the club’s inquiries. The club asks for patience as they work through the final stages of the decision-making process.
Fans and the public eagerly await Manchester United’s official announcement regarding the return of Mason Greenwood, which will shed light on the club’s decision and future plans for the player.