Manchester United have decided against Mason Greenwood returning in response to mass online backlash and protests at Old Trafford, according to reports. Greenwood looked set to be reintegrated at Carrington imminently, but the U-turn means he has no short-term future under Erik ten Hag.
The Sun claim that United have blocked Greenwood’s return to the first-team squad after receiving heavy criticism about proposed announcement plans.
The intense uproar is said to have forced United chief executive Richard Arnold to rethink his decision, and club figures now believe there is no way back for the 21-year-old.
The report states that Arnold filmed an explanation video of why he had given Greenwood the green light to resume his Old Trafford.
It wasn’t scheduled to be released on Tuesday, but United are now rewriting their statements in fear of further opposition against the decision.
Greenwood hasn’t played for United since his arrest in January 2022. He was later charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour in October of that year.
The United No 11 denied all allegations made against him before the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges in February of this year.
And on February 2, the Red Devils started an internal investigation into Greenwood’s arrest to decide whether he had a future at the club.
On Wednesday, The Athletic reported that Arnold had disclosed to club executives that he had decided to allow Greenwood to return.
United boss Ten Hag and football director John Murtough were allegedly open to the outcome, as many several other names on the sporting side.
Arnold planned to announce the decision on Friday, August 4, before postponing as he looked to inform key stakeholders, including the women’s team and fan advisory board.
United simultaneously released a statement, insisting a decision hadn’t been made but that the probe was in its final stages.
And now the news from the club is expected to be good news for those who have opposed Greenwood’s return.
United received a barrage of abuse and criticism on social media amid reports that they were ready to open the door for Greenwood.
And a small group of supporters, mainly female, gathered at the Old Trafford forecourt to protest against the decision before Monday’s Premier League opener against Wolves.
United were said to have set the delayed date for a Greenwood announcement before the end of August.
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