MASON Greenwood’s hopes of playing for Man United again could be dashed by opposition from the club’s high-profile female stars.
The striker — due to be a dad in the summer — wants to return to the first-team squad as soon as possible after charges of attempted rape, ABH and controlling behaviour were dropped.
But the increasing importance of United’s table-topping women’s team has given them a strong voice in any decision.
England’s Euro 2022 winners Ella Toone, Mary Earps and Alessia Russo plus club captain Katie Zelem are regarded as leaders of the current squad.
The men’s and women’s teams share some facilities at the training ground.
And some players have told senior club officials they would be deeply concerned if Greenwood returned.
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A source said: “If Mason does come back, it is inconceivable that he would not have any contact with any of the women’s team.
“Everyone at the club is very aware of what was alleged at the time of his arrest.
“Likewise they know he had all charges dropped and is innocent.
“The situation has been discussed within the women’s squad and some hold strong views.”
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Greenwood was arrested in January last year after a woman made claims on social media.
Three weeks ago he was cleared of any wrongdoing. He remains suspended by the club but gets his £75,000-a-week salary. He is contracted until 2025.
Natalie Burrell, founder of United Women’s Supporters’ Club, has said she never wants to see Greenwood in a red shirt again.
She added: “United need to make a statement and letting him back would be the worst thing they could do.
“It would set back our club in terms of what we’re trying to do with our women’s team and campaigns like Her Game Too, which aim to encourage women to play and watch football.
“I don’t want to see him training, in a kit, or coming out at Old Trafford again. And I’m confident they won’t (let him).”
United were previously criticised for not having a women’s team but finally launched one in 2018.
Since then, the team has leapt to the top of the Women’s Super League and played at Old Trafford to huge crowds.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
