Disgraced Manchester United star Mason Greenwood is reportedly close to making his return to the club. Greenwood has been out of action since January 2022 after his girlfriend Harriet Robson accused him of ra*e and s*xual assault. Although Greenwood and Robson have now reconciled and have also become parents recently, according to recent reports, Greenwood’s future at United, if there’s any, isn’t looking good.
As per The Athletic, Manchester United United CEO Richard Arnold, whose final decision will be the key factor in Greenwood’s return, wanted to bring back the player on August 4. However, it was delayed because the club wanted to update all of its key stakeholders regarding the situation. Greenwood’s return now reportedly depends on what the club’s sponsors, women’s team, prominent club legends, and fans want.
Moreover, Manchester United might not include him in any of its foundation affiliations and programs if he makes his return. Mason Greenwood has already lost his Nike sponsorship and was removed by EA Sports from FIFA 22 following his suspension. Despite his charges being dropped, Nike and EA Sports are yet to rekindle their relationship with the English star.
There is a fantastically grim line in the Greenwood story that sums the whole thing up. ‘The player would not be put forward for any foundation affiliation or
programs’. If that is the case, that is literally saying without saying ‘we think he’s a good footballer but a terrible…— Chris Winterburn (@cmwinterburn) August 16, 2023
Greenwood‘s potential exclusion from such programs would lead to the further vilification of his image by the club. The club has already announced that they have reached the final stage of their decision-making process regarding Greenwood’s situation. Now, the entire soccer world waits with bated breath to see what happens with the prodigal son of Manchester United.
Adidas washes its hands of Mason Greenwood’s return amid growing fans’ protests
There also have been rumors recently about Manchester United‘s kit sponsors being involved in Mason Greenwood’s return. Adidas, who has been United’s kit sponsors since 2015/16, had reportedly given their green signal for Greenwood’s return. However, the German company has vehemently denied such rumors and has branded the reports as “inaccurate.“
Adidas stated, “After inaccurate and speculative reporting within the media it’s important for us to reiterate that Adidas plays no role in any decisions made regarding any member of the team or staff at the club. Decisions are exclusively between the club and their employees.” Meanwhile, Greenwood’s return has faced yet another obstacle in the form of growing protests from the fans.
🚨 A group of female Manchester United fans announce they are planning protests to let the club know they don’t want Mason Greenwood back. Their banner will be on display before Monday’s game against Wolves. pic.twitter.com/jkKY6MiImU
— Mr Clever (@CLEVERsportnews) August 11, 2023
Several United supporters recently gathered outside Old Trafford to protest against Greenwood’s return. A section of female United fans, ‘Female Fans Against Greenwood’s Return’ (FFAGR), have made their position clear about the 21-year-old star’s potential future at the club. The FFAGR has condemned United’s indecisiveness and has demanded that the club becomes more accountable and lives up to their expectations.
Mason Greenwood has been added back to Manchester United’s squad in eFootball.
Konami is the official gaming partner of Man Utd. Konami had previously removed him from the game back in February 2022. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/XC5AIerKFL
— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) August 12, 2023
While Mason Greenwood’s sponsorship deals at United remain in jeopardy, he has finally returned to the world of virtual soccer. Konami, who is Manchester United’s global partner, had removed Greenwood’s avatar from its popular eFootball game following his arrest. However, the United forward has been added back, with an in-game rating of 75.
