Jamaica launch Mason Greenwood plan in full statement about Man United forward

Jamaica boss Heimir Hallgrimsson has explained that he would ‘love’ Mason Greenwood to represent the country in a full statement on the Manchester United loanee.

The head coach has been in charge of the nation since 2022 and has confirmed to The Athletic that he has spoken to the Manchester United forward about the move.

However, Hallgrimsson did ultimately admit that the decision rests with the player who is currently at Getafe on loan.

Greenwood has one senior cap for England but is able to switch allegiances under FIFA rules.

“I really don’t like to talk about ‘what if’, but this, of course, has come to our mind,” Hallgrimsson told The Athletic at a CONCACAF Nations League preview event in Dallas on Tuesday.

“I would love to have him in my team. Like all coaches, I would like to have the best players in our team, but it’s always up to the player himself if he wants to do it.”

Greenwood was sent on loan to Getafe following United’s internal investigation on the 22-year-old. This occurred after the UK Crown Prosecution Service discontinued its case against Greenwood for attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behaviour. Greenwood denied all the charges.

He has since scored seven goals and provided five assists for the La Liga side this season.

Asked about whether Greenwood’s legal case would impact the decision to bring him into the Jamaica team, Hallgrimsson added: “That will then be up to the Federation. It’s not the coach who is going to answer for something like that. I’m not an expert in this.

“I just look at the person. I think what he has gone through in the year and a half since it happened is worse than I can imagine, being in the press and on social media. I can only imagine what he has been going through. The case went through stages and the case was dropped, so it’s not up to me or anyone else to judge him on that.

“It was no less a person than Jesus Christ who said, those who are without sin should throw the first stone. Whatever happened, everybody at least deserves a second chance. And he knows that all eyes are on him.

“So it’s a big pressure, and I am happy for the player that he is coming back because it is probably a trauma. It’s difficult to come (back) from, so I give him my support at least. He must have a strong mentality to start to play again and start to play so well.”