Man Utd sponsor hits back at ‘inaccurate’ claims they held ‘secret talks’ over Greenwood return
Man Utd sponsors Adidas have hit back at “inaccurate” claims by The Sun that they held ‘secret talks’ over a potential Mason Greenwood return.
At the start of this year, charges against Greenwood – relating to attempted rape and assault – were discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service.
The CPS came to this verdict after it was decided that “the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction”.
Man Utd have been holding their own internal investigation into Greenwood’s conduct but they are yet to decide whether he will stay with the club heading into next season.
A loan move away from Man Utd has reportedly been discussed, with Serie A duo Atalanta and Juventus being linked with the forward.
At the start of this month, The Athletic reported that ‘the culmination of United’s disciplinary process is approaching and although there is not a defined end-point, it is expected there will be a resolution before the start of the Premier League campaign on the second weekend in August’.
The report also pointed out that Erik ten Hag is ‘open to having Greenwood in his squad’ and the ‘manager’s voice carries weight’.
The Sun are now reporting that ‘Greenwood’s career at Manchester United could be saved after the club’s main sponsor (Adidas) approved his return’.
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‘Secret talks’ between United and Adidas are described as being ‘positive’ and the club’s hierarchy are set to make a decision on Greenwood’s future ‘in weeks’.
An unnamed source for The Sun said: “The initial signals from Adidas are positive. Without their blessing, it would be hard to see a way back. But they have communicated his return would not necessarily be an insurmountable obstacle.
“They have certainly given the impression they would not be fiercely opposed to it.”
The report from The Sun adds: ‘The player is already back training with Man United’s blessing. Old Trafford staff are overseeing the England ace’s regime and he has spoken more than once with boss Erik ten Hag.
‘An assurance from Adidas is likely to see other sponsors follow suit. The new season starts on August 12 and The Sun understands most team-mates would welcome him back if the club agrees.’
While “no decision has been made yet”, the source for The Sun confirms that Greenwood “wants to stay” at Man Utd.
“No decision has been made yet but every option is being explored. It’s an unpredictable situation and public opinion will play a part,” the source said.
“It won’t be easy if he does return but sponsors won’t necessarily walk out of the door overnight. He trains alone but the club is keeping in touch. He wants to stay.”
On Saturday afternoon, a spokesperson for Adidas in their own statement to refute this “inaccurate and speculative reporting”.
“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.”
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