Manchester United’s women’s team have received “menacing” and “threatening” messages amid the delay to the club’s Mason Greenwood decision, it has been claimed.
In a statement United said they are yet to reach a final decision on Mason Greenwood's future at the club, after a report emerged claiming Chief Executive Richard Arnold had told Old Trafford's senior staff he was due to return.
Greenwood hasn't played for United since he was arrested in January 2022. Charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February, with United having undergone an internal investigation into the matter since.
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On Wednesday the Athletic claimed that Arnold had communicated with senior staff that Greenwood was set to return and that an announcement was due at the start of August.
However, United did not proceed with the alleged announcement and are still to communicate any decision publicly.
Last week, it had been reported widely that the club wished to inform key stakeholders of their decision, including principal sponsors, the club’s fan advisory board, former players and members of the women’s team, many of whom are at the World Cup with England.
It had in turn been theorised that United had delayed announcing the decision until the return of the women's players.
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Members of United and England's women's team subsequently found themselves victims of a social media storm last weekend when a story emerged in The Guardian alleging that a decision had been delayed to allow United to consult them.
As noted by the Athletic, in response to posts from United's official women's account about England's 2-1 quarter final win against Colombia, users reportedly petitioned the likes of Mary Earps, Katie Zelem and Ella Toone to allow Greenwood’s return.
The Athletic have claimed that some of the messages were seen by players and some posts were "more menacing and threatening", with one agent having considered enlisting cybersecurity support for his client.
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SPORTbible has contacted Manchester United for comment on the claims.
Moreover, upon the Athletic article being published United released a lengthy statement on the Greenwood matter.
It reads: "Following the dropping of all charges against Mason Greenwood in February 2023, Manchester United has conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations made against him.
"This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain, and we have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case. Throughout this process, the welfare and perspective of the alleged victim has been central to the club’s inquiries, and we respect her right to lifelong anonymity.
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"We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner. The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future.
"Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation. Responsibility ultimately rests with the Chief Executive Officer. Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders.
"This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain. We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process."
Topics: Manchester United, Mason Greenwood
Chris Byfield