Manchester United set to axe Mason Greenwood after backlash from fans

England and Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood leaves Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester on November 21, 2022 after a preliminary hearing on charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault. - The 21-year-old was first arrested in January over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online. All three charges relate to the same complainant. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP) (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United are on the verge of performing a dramatic U-turn by getting rid of Mason Greenwood.

The Sun claims Manchester United have changed their mind on brining back Mason Greenwood after the club faced backlash from fans.

Greenwood, 21, has been suspended by United since January 2022 after he was arrested. The club had planned to announce Greenwood’s return on Tuesday — after the Women’s World Cup final — but it sounds like chief executive Richard Arnold has changed his mind.

United’s hierarchy now believe there is no way back for Greenwood, despite suggesting on Wednesday that he would be reintegrated into the squad.

Word about a U-turn initially came from RedNews fanzine editor Barney Chilton and we’ve since heard that the decision to axe Greenwood was made on Friday night.

Arnold received significant backlash on Friday when The Athletic revealed more details behind Manchester United’s plan to bring back Greenwood.

Adam Crafton reported that preparations for Greenwood’s return included an assessment of the expected sentiment of external figures, listing individual football pundits, journalists and politicians. These were categorised into three groups to the effect of “supportive”, “open-minded” or “hostile”. The club shamefully listed a series of domestic abuse charities assumed to be “hostile”.

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