Man Utd hit with three questions after ‘agreeing’ Mason Greenwood return stance
Erik ten Hag’s position at Man Utd is being questioned by some
Manchester United would find it difficult to sanction Mason Greenwood’s reintegration next summer without facing backlash similar to a few months ago, according to Danny Mills. The former Premier League star has urged United against inviting such a distraction despite an imminent change at the helm.
Greenwood was free to resume his football career this season after the Crown Prosecution Service dropped charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour against him in February.
United chief executive Richard Arnold had reportedly informed club staff he planned to announce Greenwood’s return to Erik ten Hag’s squad after a six-month investigation.
However, severe online backlash seemingly forced a quick U-turn. Arnold insisted he was satisfied that the 22-year-old forward was innocent of the allegations against him but confirmed he would continue his career away from Old Trafford.
Greenwood joined La Liga side Getafe on a season-long loan on transfer deadline day and is rediscovering his taste for goals in Spain.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.4billion deal to buy 25 per cent of United will include total control of United’s sporting operations, leaving Arnold and football director John Murtough among those at risk of the axe.
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The impending changes have sparked speculation over whether Greenwood could find a way back into United under a new regime.
However, Mills is doubtful over whether the Red Devils would be wise to consider what would be a controversial move.
“I think the optics around that [Greenwood’s return] would be very, very difficult,” Mills told Express Sport with Grosvenor Sport.
“Whether he’s having a fantastic time scoring goals or not, to bring him back to this country, I think it’s a very, very difficult decision.
“Because, unfortunately, the media controls the world effectively. And the optics around that, I think, would be incredibly disruptive.”
United are reportedly in agreeance with Mills. According to GiveMeSport, the Old Trafford giants are set on their Greenwood stance; he won’t play for the club again.
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They are said to have learned their lesson from the negative reaction to their initial plan for the former No 11 and have shut the door on the prospect of a return before his 2025 contract expiry.
Mills asked three key questions to blitz home his point and urged United’s likely new sporting director – potentially Paul Mitchell – to enter the transfer market and replace Greenwood instead.
He added: “Do you need that problem? Can Manchester United still be one of the biggest clubs in the world?
“Can they go out and find an equal replacement that’s going to cause them way less hassle? Yes, it’s probably the answer. And if I was sporting director, that’s what I’d do.
“It’s not to say he’s not turned things around, but the baggage that comes with that, the abuse that he would get and the abuse that would be associated with the football club, I think sometimes you do not need that distraction.”
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