Man Utd make ‘explosive U-turn’ as ‘fan backlash’ sees Arnold, Ten Hag decide to ‘dump’ Greenwood

Backlash from fans on social media has seen Manchester United change their stance on bringing Mason Greenwood back into the squad, according to a report.

Greenwood has been suspended by the club since January 2022 over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online.

The 21-year-old was facing charges including attempted rape and assault until the Crown Prosecution Service announced earlier this year that the case had been discontinued.

The player remained suspended by Manchester United and the club broke their silence on the situation earlier this week, informing fans that they are working through the “final stages” of their internal investigation.

The Red Devils’ statement came shortly after The Athletic reported that chief executive Richard Arnold told the club’s executive leadership in the first week of August that he was intending to bring Greenwood back.

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Manchester United’s stance has resulted in a lot of backlash online with Countdown star Rachel Riley being one person to publicly voice their disapproval of the reported decision.

“I won’t be able to support United if Greenwood remains at the club,” she said in a statement on Friday.

“We’ve all seen and heard enough. Pretending this is OK would be a huge part of the problem.

“It would be devastating for my club to contribute to a culture that brushes this under the carpet. I really hope they do the right thing.”

This situation has been the biggest talking point of the week and a report from The Sun has said United have ‘U-turned’ as a result of ‘fan backlash’.

Our friend Neil Custis says the Red Devils are ready to ‘dump’ Greenwood out of the squad in an ‘explosive update’.

The club’s ‘dramatic U-turn’ comes following ‘uproar online’ at the prospect of the England striker returning.

Erik ten Hag’s bosses are now ‘rocked’ and believe ‘there can be no way back’ for the player.

Custis adds that the investigation has been ‘completed’ and Arnold’s ‘final decision’ was that Greenwood would return, with the chief executive ‘filming an explanation’ which was set to air next week.

United are now ‘rapidly rewriting their statements’ and have ‘shelved’ the video.

Their stance now is ‘unclear’ as Ten Hag’s side would face ‘legal implications’ if they cancel Greenwood’s £75,000-a-week contract, which does not run out for another two years.

A loan to a foreign country is a possibility but United are yet to receive any ‘firm offers’.

The women’s team has ‘reservations’ about Greenwood returning with Ten Hag and his teammates ‘open’ to his return, the report adds.

OPINION: Why are Manchester United so willing to degrade themselves for Mason Greenwood?