Manchester United to perform Mason Greenwood U-Turn, but contract termination issue arises

Manchester United are set to perform a dramatic U-Turn on their decision regarding Mason Greenwood following backlash from the wider fanbase and staff at Old Trafford.

Greenwood has been suspended from the club since January 2022 after photos and videos alleging he had domestically abused his partner surfaced on social media.

Although he was arrested and a case built against him by the Crown Prosecution Service, this case was ultimately dropped due to key witnesses not stepping forwards.

Following on from that, the club have undergone an investigation looking into the situation, and United have explained that they are in the ‘final stages’ of a decision.

It was believed that CEO Richard Arnold had a plan in place to reintroduce Greenwood to the United squad, with an announcement expected on August 4 – although that was not followed through with.

Since then, various reports have come to the fore suggesting that a return for the academy graduate was inevitable, with staff believing that confirmation would come by the end of the month.

However, it has now been reported by Neil Custis of The Sun that Manchester United are now set to ‘dump’ Greenwood out of the squad, coming shortly after an online uproar from many supporters.

The public reaction to leaks has rocked the club’s hierarchy, who now believe there can be no way back for the 21-year-old.

Read More: Manchester United release statement on Mason Greenwood situation

Greenwood has been training away from Carrington with the permission of the club in recent months. Meanwhile, several high profile individuals have shown their discontent with his potential return.

“This is disgusting,” Zarah Sultana MP wrote in response to reports stating the club were considering whether public figures such as journalists and politicians would be hostile or supportive to the player’s return. “I will always stand in solidarity with survivors of domestic violence, so consider me ‘hostile’.”

Andre Western MP, who is a member of parliament for Stretford and Urmston, had a similar message: “Really disappointed at how United have handled this. They should be focused on making the correct decision, speaking up in support of victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault, and acting with integrity. The club must realise this isn’t a PR crisis it’s about doing what’s right.”

The aforementioned report did add that it’s unclear what the club will do with Greenwood still being paid his £75,000 a-week contract as it still has two years left to run with the option of a further year.

There would be legal implications if the club terminated his contract as he has not been found guilty of anything after charges were dropped.

United could look to loan the forward but there have been no firm offers from any club to take him so far.