The handling of the Mason Greenwood reinstatement decision by Manchester United has been criticized by a Manchester MP as being “very disappointing.”
The club was asked to act “with integrity” and to put making the “right decision” first by Andrew Western, the Labour member of parliament for Stretford and Urmston.
“Really disgusted at how United have handled this,” Western wrote on Twitter. Making the right choice, standing up for victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse, and acting honorably should be their main priorities. The club needs to understand that this isn’t a PR issue; it’s about doing the right thing.
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 & sexual assault, and acting with integrity. The club must realise this isn’t a PR crisis it’s about doing what’s right. https://t.co/islZrw8BLb
— Andrew Western MP (@AndrewHWestern) August 18, 2023
Since being detained in January 2022 and charged with attempted rape, engaging in coercive behavior, and assault causing actual bodily damage, Greenwood has been placed on administrative leave. In February of this year, all allegations against the player were dropped, enabling the club to decide whether to re-incorporate him into the first team roster after conducting an internal inquiry.
Things reached a breaking point this week when The Athletic revealed that Chief Executive Richard Arnold had informed workers in early August that the club would be reintegrating Greenwood into the team but had postponed making the decision public.
Despite the fact that the club issued a statement stating that no decision had been taken, additional sources from The Athletic claimed that United had already started preparing public relations strategies in preparation for the striker’s return.
Western’s comment adds to a growing outcry against United’s handling of the circumstance. High-profile TV personality Rachel Riley publicly declared that she would cease supporting the team if Greenwood made a comeback. While insider reports cautioned that some employees have considered quitting if the striker is brought back.