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      Important reason behind Man Utd’s decision to delay Mason Greenwood announcement is revealed

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      MANCHESTER Utd has revealed the important reason it is delaying an announcement about Mason Greenwood’s future. The England striker hasn’t played for Utd since he was arrested for attempted rape, assault and coercive control in January last year.
      The announcement around Mason Greenwood’s future at Man Utd has been delayedCredit: PA
      He was charged in October but the charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
      Greenwood had been suspended by while Utd undergoes its own investigation.
      Fans had been expecting the club to have made a decision by now, but it has now been revealed why there’s a delay.
      Utd is said to still be consulting with sponsors and football staff before it makes the announcement.
      Read more on football
      The club is said to be in talks with the entire department – including the women’s team.
      It comes after boss Erik ten Hag today gave an update – but didn’t mention Greenwood once.
      He spoke about the team’s first game of the season against Wolves on Monday night, as well as saying Harry Kane’s impending move to Bayern Munich was a “miss for the Premier League”.
      He added: “We are very confident but also I want to mention pre-season doesn’t say anything, it’s friendly football.
      Most read in Football
      “Though I never take a game as a friendly, it’s friendly in the sense of going.
      “In the league, going for the points it’s a different approach for both teams.
      “We are ready to go for the fight, the team is really energetic and we worked really good for pre-season and we go for it.”
      It comes after The Sun revealed snaps on Tuesday of Greenwood looking relaxed as he trained on a public pitch.
      His dad and coach, Andrew Greenwood, instructed him and cradled the player’s newborn as he ran through shooting drills with pals.
      In June he worked on his close control and shooting in a 90-minute session on an £85-an-hour pitch.
      It was the first time he had been pictured at a training session since his arrest.
      He had grown his hair since he was last pictured — and was not wearing Nike boots after the firm ended their sponsorship deal. More

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      Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag avoids commenting on Mason Greenwood as star striker’s future hangs in the balance

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      MAN Utd boss Erik ten Hag has today avoided commenting on Mason Greenwood as the star’s future hangs in the balance. The England striker hasn’t played for Utd since he was arrested for attempted rape, assault and coercive control in January last year.
      Erik ten Hag is today giving an update on Man UtdCredit: Getty
      It comes as Utd fans wait to hear what Mason Greenwood’s football future holdsCredit: Getty
      He was charged in October but the charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
      The Man Utd boss this afternoon gave an update on the club, with eager fans waiting to hear what the future holds for Greenwood.
      However, ten Hag did not comment on the suspended striker – nor was he asked about him.
      The club is expected to soon make a decision on his future and it was today revealed why the announcement was being delayed.
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      Utd manager ten Hag spoke about the team’s first game of the season against Wolves on Monday night, as well as saying Harry Kane’s impending move to Bayern Munich was a “miss for the Premier League”.
      He added: “We are very confident but also I want to mention pre-season doesn’t say anything, it’s friendly football.
      “Though I never take a game as a friendly, it’s friendly in the sense of going.
      “In the league, going for the points it’s a different approach for both teams.
      Most read in Football
      “We are ready to go for the fight, the team is really energetic and we worked really good for pre-season and we go for it.”
      The United boss also said the club was happy with their new striker Rasmus Højlund.
      He said: “First of all, we have chosen a striker and we are really happy with our choice.
      “He’s [Kane] a great striker, clear, a goal maker and apart from that he has all the conditions and abilities what you want to see in a striker. It’s a miss for the Premier League, absolutely.”
      It comes after The Sun revealed snaps on Tuesday of Greenwood looking relaxed as he trained on a public pitch.
      His dad and coach, Andrew Greenwood, instructed him and cradled the player’s newborn as he ran through shooting drills with pals.
      In June he worked on his close control and shooting in a 90-minute session on an £85-an-hour pitch.
      It was the first time he had been pictured at a training session since his arrest.
      He had grown his hair since he was last pictured — and was not wearing Nike boots after the firm ended their sponsorship deal.
      Greenwood joined Utd aged just six and rose through the ranks to land himself a regular spot on the first team.
      In 2019, he became the youngest footballer to play for United in the Champions League when he took to the pitch aged 17.
      Greenwood has made 129 appearances in total for the Red Devils and netted 35 goals.
      It comes as manager ten Hag and the majority of the first team have suggested they were open to the idea of bringing the footballer back.
      But United’s women’s team were understood to have reservations, while sponsors were left concerned about being linked to the footballer.
      A source said previously: “All the players believe he deserves a second chance because he’s innocent in the eyes of the law.
      “He didn’t have the opportunity to clear his name in court because the charges were dropped, so the players feel like he has been left in limbo.
      Read More on The Sun
      “They know it will be difficult but they are willing to support him through it and protect him.
      “Some of the younger players came through the academy with him so there’s a loyalty to him.” More

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      Blow for Mason Greenwood as Man Utd release provisional squad numbers list… and he’s NOT on it

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      MASON Greenwood has suffered a blow as Man United release their provisional squad numbers list – and he’s NOT on it. The striker, 21, has been suspended by the Premier League club since January 2022 and not kicked a ball for them since his arrest.
      Mason Greenwood has suffered a blow as Man United release their provisional squad numbers list – and he’s NOT on itCredit: AFP
      Greenwood was later charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour, before the charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
      And Utd are expected to make their decision on his future in the coming days.
      Greenwood could have his contract terminated, be put back into the first team, loaned out or sold.
      It comes after The Sun revealed snaps on Tuesday of Greenwood looking relaxed as he trained on a public pitch.
      READ MORE ON GREENWOOD
      His dad and coach, Andrew Greenwood, instructed him and cradled the player’s newborn as he ran through shooting drills with pals.
      And today the club released provisional squad numbers for the new season.
      Football fans are convinced the baller has already made a decision on his football future.
      Speculation online is growing with fans suspecting the player will move to the Jamaican national team after he was spotted in the kit.
      Most read in Football
      It comes as a row over Greenwood’s future at the club was sparked.
      Manager Erik ten Hag and the majority of the first team have suggested they were open to the idea of bringing the Greenwood back.
      But United’s women’s team were understood to have reservations, while sponsors were left concerned about being linked to the footballer.
      A source said previously: “All the players believe he deserves a second chance because he’s innocent in the eyes of the law.
      “He didn’t have the opportunity to clear his name in court because the charges were dropped, so the players feel like he has been left in limbo.
      “They know it will be difficult but they are willing to support him through it, and protect him.
      “Some of the younger players came through the academy with him so there’s a loyalty to him.
      “They know he’s made mistakes but the lads who’ve spoken to him say he’s grown up a lot in the past 18 months and will come back a lot wiser.”
      It is not the first time Greenwood has been spotted training outside of Carrington.
      In June he worked on his close control and shooting in a 90-minute session on an £85-an-hour pitch.
      It was the first time he had been pictured at a training session since his arrest.
      He had grown his hair since he was last pictured — and was not wearing Nike boots after the firm ended their sponsorship deal.
      Greenwood joined Utd aged just six and rose through the ranks to land himself a regular spot on the first team.
      Read More on The Sun
      In 2019, he became the youngest footballer to play for United in the Champions League when he took to the pitch aged 17.
      Greenwood has made 129 appearances in total for the Red Devils and netted 35 goals.
      Man United provisional squad numbers
      2. Victor Lindelof
      5. Harry Maguire
      6. Lisandro Martinez
      7. Mason Mount
      8. Bruno Fernandes
      9. Anthony Martial
      10. Marcus Rashford
      12. Tyrell Malacia
      14. Cristian Eriksen
      16. Amad Diallo
      17. Fred
      18. Casemiro
      19. Raphael Varane
      20. Diogo Dalot
      21. Antony
      22. Tom Heaton (Goalkeeper)
      23. Luke Shaw
      24. Andre Onana (Goalkeeper)
      25. Jadon Sancho
      26. Dean Henderson (Goalkeeper)
      28. Facundo Pellistri
      29. Aaron Wan-Bissaka
      33. Brandon Williams
      34. Donny van de Beek
      37. Kobbie Mainoo
      39. Scott McTominay
      49. Alejandro Garnacho More

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      Ryan Giggs goes shopping with girlfriend Zara Charles as couple enjoy day out together in posh Cheshire

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      RYAN Giggs has been spotted shopping with his girlfriend Zara Charles as the pair enjoy a day out together in Cheshire.The former Manchester United star, 49, was seen looking casual in a black gym t-shirt and shorts and held a bag full of shopping.
      Prem legend Giggs was pictured out and about in Cheshire in all black sports gearCredit: Splash
      Zara wore her gym gear and had sunglasses perched on top of her headCredit: Splash
      Ryan Giggs and Zara Charles chatted together while out in CheshireCredit: Splash
      While 34-year-old Zara dressed sportily in a tight fitting cropped white t-shirt and a pair of running shorts.
      The model also had a pair of sunglasses perched on their head and clasped a small bag.
      The couple seemed to be enjoying the sunshine together as they made another public appearance.
      Giggs and his girlfriend were recently seen in public together in July after the footballer’s retrial collapsed.
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      Last month prosecutors dropped the retrial against Prem legend Giggs, which was due to take place on July 31.
      The former Man Utd ace, 48, was accused of assaulting Kate Greville, 36, at his £1.7million home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1, 2020.
      He was also charged with attacking her sister Emma Greville on the same date and controlling or coercive behaviour against Kate over a three-year period.
      But Prosecutor Peter Wright KC told Manchester Crown Court they were formally offering no evidence.
      Most read in Football
      Speaking after the decision, Giggs’ lawyer said he was “deeply relieved” after “fighting throughout” for three years to clear his name.
      He added: “He will now seek to rebuild his life as an innocent man”.
      In May, the couple were pictured enjoying the sunshine as Giggs visited a hairdresser.
      They were also spotted attending Salford’s League Two defeat to Leyton Orient in April.
      Ryan Giggs made 672 appearances for Manchester United between 1990 and 2014.
      The former-midfielder is one of only 28 players in football history to have been capped over 1,000 times.
      He managed the Wales national team from 2018-2022 and in 2014 took over League Two side Salford City alongside a raft of Man United legends
      Giggs made another public appearance after his retrial was scrappedCredit: Splash More

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      Inside Benjamin Mendy’s £5M isolated mansion as ex-Man City star puts home on market

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      HERE are the lavish rooms inside the £5million mansion now put up for sale for Benjamin Mendy as he bids to avoid bankruptcy.Pictures have been revealed exploring the isolated home where footballer Mendy lived while playing for Manchester City when prosecuted for and ultimately cleared of alleged rape charges.
      Benjamin Mendy’s £5million Cheshire mansion has now been put up for saleCredit: Mercury
      The World Cup-winning defender has not played for Manchester City since 2021Credit: Getty
      His seven-bedroom gated home also features a swimming poolCredit: Mercury
      The World Cup winner, 29, has now put the gated property in Cheshire on the market – while also claiming up to £10million in unpaid wages from City for time he spent suspended from playing.
      He is being chased for an £800,000 tax debt by HMRC, who are seeking a bankruptcy order.
      His accountant has now told a court hearing Mendy was seeking “in the order of nine to 10million pounds gross” from the Premier League winners.
      Mendy’s home in Cheshire has been put on the market by estate agent Savills for £5million as the star attempts to claw back costs.
      Read More On Manchester City
      Glimpses inside the home were previously made public while he was in the dock before being cleared of all charges.
      Drone footage was played at Chester Crown Court last August including aerial shots above Mendy’s home 17 miles south of central Manchester.
      Jurors were also shown a police bodycam “walk-through” inside.
      Footage featured the ground floor including a swimming pool, jacuzzi and cinema room – while the property also featured an indoor football pitch.
      Most read in Football
      Mendy has since made a comeback to football following his acquittal at Chester Crown Court last month.
      The France defender, on the bench when his country beat Croatia in the 2018 World Cup final, has signed for Lorient who play in Ligue 1.
      Mendy left Man City by mutual consent in June at the expiry of his contract – having not played for the Premier League and Champions League winners since 2021.
      The footballer wept after being cleared of rape and attempted rape on July 14.
      A jury acquitted him of attempting to rape a woman aged 29 as she showered at his home in October 2018.
      He was also found not guilty of raping a 24-year-old woman in a bedroom at his Cheshire home two years later.
      He celebrated his freedom that evening with pals by going out.
      And he turned up at the Pitts complex in Ardwick, Manchester, two days later for a kickabout with strangers.
      Mendy had last played for City against Tottenham Hotspur in August 2021 before being suspended by the club later that month when he was arrested.
      Mendy is seeking a buyer as he battles for unpaid wages from CityCredit: Mercury
      The France international footballer walked free from court last monthCredit: AFP
      Footage inside the property was shown to jurors when Mendy was on trialCredit: Mercury
      The home is about 17 miles from central ManchesterCredit: Mercury
      Mendy signed for French top-flight club Lorient last monthCredit: INSTAGRAM More

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      Benjamin Mendy flogging £5m mansion to avoid bankruptcy as ex-Man City star chases club for up to £10m in unpaid wages

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      BENJAMIN Mendy is selling his £5million home and chasing Man City for millions to avoid bankruptcy after his retrial hell, a court heard.The ex-Man City star, 29, who was cleared of rape and attempted rape, has not been paid by the club since September 2021.
      Benjamin Mendy is attempting to avoid bankruptcyCredit: AFP
      He is now being chased for an £800,000 tax debt by HMRC, who are seeking a bankruptcy order.
      The court was told Mendy’s agent is “in negotiations with Manchester City to get back pay on the basis that he has been found not guilty”.
      His accountant said he was seeking “in the order of nine to 10 million pounds gross” from the Premier League winners.
      Mendy’s home in Cheshire has also been put on the market by estate agent Savills for £5million as the star attempts to claw back costs from his court battle.
      Read more news
      His accountant, who wasn’t named, said: “He was very short of money indeed, the cost of the legal case were over one million pounds.”
      Mendy has moved to France after being handed a contract by French Ligue 1 side FC Lorient.
      He left City when his contract expired in June after not playing for the club since his arrest in 2021.
      City spent a reported £49.2million signing Mendy from French side Monaco in 2017 on a six-year contract.
      Most read in Football
      His deal guaranteed him a basic £100,000-a-week salary and up to £170,000 with bonuses.
      The court was told his debt to HMRC is £788,409.
      Judge Clive Jones said: “I’m very unimpressed at the lack of information that’s been provided both to HMRC and to the court prior to this hearing.
      “That, I really think, is the wrong step for him to take.”
      The proceedings were adjourned until October 4 to allow time for Mendy to sell his home.
      The star wept as he was cleared of one count of rape and one of attempted rape last month.
      Mendy, who said the encounters were consensual, was previously found not guilty on a string of other charges following a trial.
      The ex-City star is chasing the club for his wages More

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      Ex-West Ham footballer ‘involved in heist of £2M antique vase stolen from museum in Switzerland’

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      A FORMER West Ham player tried to help sell a £1.9million antique vase stolen during a heist at a museum in Switzerland, a court heard.Kaine Wright, 26, was caught in an undercover police sting along with accomplices Leslie Nkhwa, 47, and David Lamming, 31, it is said.
      Kaine Wright was one of three people allegedly trying to flog the vaseCredit: Central News
      The “rare pomegranate vase from the Yongle Period (1403-1425AD)” was stolen during a raid at the Musee des Arts d’Extreme-Orient in Geneva in June 2019.
      Southwark Crown Court heard the trio attempted to flog it for £1million but later dropped the price to £450,000 in cash.
      The vase was valued for insurance purposes for £1.96m, it was said.
      On July 30, 2020, a man called Mr Steel emailed the China Guardian auction house in Hong Kong asking for a valuation.
      Read more news
      Jurors heard the seller, later identified as Lamming, included photos of the item, which were compared with the stolen vase.
      Lamming also allegedly emailed the Art Loss Register based in Hatton Garden saying he was in touch with someone who had a vase that had been stolen from Switzerland.
      Police then launched an undercover sting operation using an officer named Paul.
      He received an email from Lamming with photos of the vase but without a newspaper alongside it to show the date, it was said.
      Most read in Football
      This caused Wright to text Nkhwa, saying: “Also to be fair I don’t even believe they have s**t anymore…does it even exist the fact that in a week and a half they can’t take a picture.
      “If it’s this hard just to get someone to take a picture when he actually flies in to buy it will be a joke…this people are not reliable waste of time [sic].
      “Honestly bro if you can’t get it today I just gonna tell the buyer its gone he is willing to pay the money…and I can’t be f***ed to mess around wasting my time when no one is serious about selling it…I guess they keep it forever for no reason.
      “Yh its dumb shout me in the morning…like they already had it a long time and can’t sell it so makes no sense lol. Unless they don’t want money. Going sleep now.”
      The court heard a series of meetings were carried out between Lamming and a second undercover officer named Richard, including one at Delfino’s Restaurant in Mayfair on October 7.
      They “shook hands” on a deal for £450,000 and agreed the exchange would take place at the five star Marriott Hotel six days later, it was said.
      Police then arrested Nkhwa and Lamming before detaining Wright, who accepts driving them to the hotel.
      Giving evidence, Wright claimed Nkwha had approached him and asked if he could help flog the vase.
      He added: “I said no. Most of my friends are sportsmen, they play for England. No one knows what to do for a vase.
      “I suggested he should list it online.
      “I think it was on behalf of someone else.”
      Wright and Nkhwa deny one count of conspiracy to convert criminal property between 31 July 2020 and 15 October 2020, while Lamming has admitted the charge.
      The footballer played for both West Ham and Brentford’s youth team as a midfielder.
      After leaving the Premier League clubs, Wright moved to Major League Soccer in America.
      In 2019, he represented England in the Socca six-a-side World Cup.
      Read More on The Sun
      He also played in front of PSG star Neymar Jr in the footballer’s Five World Finals competition in 2017.
      The trial continues.
      The vase was stolen from a museum in GenevaCredit: Central News
      Wright played for West Ham before moving to MLS footballCredit: Central News More

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      Ex-Newcastle footballer Marcus Maddison, 29, jailed for punching woman, 60, on night out

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      AN ex-footballer who hurled cheesy chips at a stranger before punching her in the face during a kebab shop queue row has been put behind bars.Marcus Maddison’s assault left the 60-year-old woman with complex facial fractures after he delivered a heavy blow while wearing a large ring on his finger.
      Marcus Maddison was jailed for attacking a womanCredit: NNP
      The ex-pro footballer formerly played for NewcastleCredit: Rex
      Maddison, who began his career as a youth team player with Newcastle, had called the woman’s daughter a “fat sl**” before the attack.
      Violence erupted after the former midfielder left The Gate nightclub in Darlington, County Durham, at 3am in the early hours of Sunday, September 25, 2022.
      The victim told Teesside Crown Court that she still suffers medical problems as a result of the brutal punch.
      She said: “My jaw was broken in multiple places. I can’t eat on the left-hand side of my mouth. I have problems with my teeth.
      “I can no longer smell properly and have been on various different medications by my general practitioner to treat various ongoing issues.
      “I’ve been a regular visitor to my GP since the assault. I have nerve damage to my face on the left-hand side and my taste buds are damaged.”
      The ex-Darlington player became embroiled in a row about queue jumping in a kebab shop before the altercation descended into violence.
      The court heard Maddison, 29, said: “You come near me and I’m going to pelt these cheesy chips at you” after calling his victim’s daughter a “fat sl**”.
      Most read in Football
      He then fell backwards before regaining his footing, throwing the cheesy chips and delivering a heavy blow to the face of the woman.
      She was later found covered in blood sitting on the floor outside a shop in Darlington town centre.
      Maddison, of High Causeway, Peterborough, admitted a charge of causing grievous bodily harm following the incident.
      Tabitha Buck, mitigating, said he had stopped drinking as a result of his behaviour on that night and had fully accepted that his reaction of over the top.
      Recorder Paul Reid jailed the ex-footballer for 20 months for the vicious assault.
      “You struck the woman; you hit her with extreme force with your right fist and on your right hand you were wearing a large metal ring and that ring amounts to a weapon,” he said.
      “This is an incident of egregious violence in a public place.”
      Speaking after an earlier hearing, a spokesperson for Darlington FC said: “The club were made aware of an alleged incident and conducted an immediate disciplinary investigation.
      “After discussions with the player concerned the club agreed to mutually terminate his contract with immediate effect at that time.
      “Darlington FC is a fan-owned club and has a zero tolerance towards discrimination, violence of abusive behaviour.”
      Maddison, who the court heard was previously of good character, started out in Newcastle United’s youth ranks and played for Gateshead before making more than 240 appearances and netting 62 goals during a six-season spell at Peterborough between 2014 and 2020.
      Read More on The Sun
      He joined Bolton Wanderers on loan from Charlton Athletic in February 2021 but made just 10 appearances for the whites.
      In June 2021 he opted to step away from the professional game due to mental health reasons. More