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    Mason Greenwood ‘is too toxic for Saudi’ as Steven Gerrard DENIES move – and José Mourinho ‘doesn’t want him’

    MANCHESTER United exile Mason Greenwood is facing two snubs with Steven Gerrard rejecting a potential move to Saudi Arabia and Jose Mourinho also not wanting him.The ex-England striker has been linked with a possible transfer to Saudi club Al-Ettifaq, now managed by Liverpool legend Gerrard.
    Mason Greenwood has two escape options from Manchester United closed offCredit: EPA
    Al-Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard has rejected talk of signing GreenwoodCredit: AFP
    AS Roma boss Jose Mourinho has also reportedly ruled out any interestCredit: Getty
    There has also been talk of a reunion with former United boss Mourinho, now in charge of Italy’s Serie A side AS Roma.
    Yet Gerrard has moved to deny any interest in the player after yesterday’s announcement Greenwood would be leaving Old Trafford.
    It comes amid suggestions the player is “too toxic” even for Saudi Arabia, The Telegraph reports.
    Gerrard, who took over at Al-Ettifaq last month, posted an Instagram story branding reports of a Greenwood move “fake news”.
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    And Italian outlet Il Tempo, via Roma Press, says Mourinho and Roma have no interest in being associated with Greenwood.
    Saudi clubs were said to be considering signing Greenwood but now others as well as Al-Ettifaq are reportedly backing away.
    Greenwood hasn’t played for United since his arrest in January last year on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
    He remained suspended by the club despite all charges against him being dropped in February.
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    United announced yesterday a “collaborative decision” with Greenwood that he would depart.
    They did not say whether his £75,000-a-week contract would be terminated or whether he would be sold or loaned out.
    Greenwood issued a statement saying he had “made mistakes”.
    United now face a scramble to get rid of Greenwood by the end of this month or face losing millions.
    Football’s summer transfer window closes on September 1 – and if no one has signed him by then, United could have to pay Greenwood millions to cancel his contract which is due to expire in 2025.
    Yet they could go beyond the deadline if a Saudi club goes for Greenwood because their window runs until September 20.
    Recent Saudi league recruits include ex-United colleague Cristiano Ronaldo, France striker Karim Benzema from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian forward Neymar.
    Al-Ettifaq have swooped this summer for England midfielder Jordan Henderson from Liverpool, now being paid £700,000 per week.
    Greenwood has also been linked with a move to some of Turkey’s leading clubs including Galatasaray and Istanbul Basaksehir.
    Among those welcoming the decision by United to cut ties with Greenwood have been ex-England and United defender Gary Neville.
    But the Sky Sports pundit also called the club’s handling “horrible”.
    The BBC’s Match Of The Day presenter and ex-England captain Gary Lineker described Greenwood’s exit as an “inevitable and right” end to an “untenable situation”.
    Meanwhile, women’s charities urged football clubs to be better at dealing with similar situations.
    Channel 4’s Countdown co-host and Strictly Come Dancing star Rachel Riley last week threatened to stop supporting United if Greenwood was allowed to return.
    The lifelong Red Devils fan today welcomed his exit but said the club had “handled this appallingly”.
    Greenwood’s last game for the Red Devils came on January 22, 2022, in a 1-0 Premier League victory over West Ham United.
    The Crown Prosecution Service charged him in October last year and he was scheduled to go on trial this November.
    But the case was withdrawn on February 2 after Greenwood’s alleged victim and 12 more witnesses declined to co-operate.
    Greenwood, born in Bradford in West Yorkshire, joined United aged six and went on to score 35 goals in 129 games for the club.
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    England manager Gareth Southgate gave him his international debut as a late sub against Iceland in September 2020, his solitary cap.
    Greenwood first appeared for the Red Devils’ senior side in a July 2018 pre-season friendly in the US, when Mourinho was manager.
    Charges were dropped against the striker in February but he remained suspendedCredit: EPA More

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    Man Utd fans fume as they ‘launch £6m transfer bid for Fenerbahce keeper Altay Bayindir’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have made a £6million offer for Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, according to reports… and fans are fuming.United are hoping to sign the Turkish shot-stopper as a backup for £47m Andre Onana.
    Manchester United make an offer for Fenerbahce’s Atlay BayindirCredit: Getty
    Bayindir, 25, has been Fenerbhce’s No1 since 2019 and has 12 caps for the Turkish national side.
    Goal has reported the Turkish team has given the 6ft 6in keeper permission to leave Istanbul to pursue a move away.
    United have already made big changes in goal this summer as David De Gea’s contract expired allowing him to leave as a free agent.
    Erik ten Hag then completed the club’s biggest signing for a goalkeeper on Inter Milan’s Andre Onana.
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    Meanwhile, the Reds are desperate for a No2 as Nathan Bishop has been sent on loan to Sunderland while Dean Henderson has been linked to a move to Crystal Palace.
    That leaves 37-year-old Tom Heaton as United’s current No2.
    If Bayindir does sign for the Premier League giants Fenerbahce are targeting Croatian international Dominik Livakovic as a replacement.
    A Manchester United transfer news account revealed the deal on Twitter earlier- and fans were not happy as they think Ten Hag’s side urgently needs a midfielder.
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    One fan said: “We need a midfielder.”
    Another tweeted: “Don’t think 2nd GK is the priority lads.”
    A third said: “Okay what about a midfielder we need.” More

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    I’ve been a Man Utd fan since before I was born – club handled Mason Greenwood decision horrendously, Rachel Riley says

    LIFELONG Man Utd fan Rachel Riley has accused the club of handling the Mason Greenwood saga “appallingly”.The Countdown host and lifelong Red Devils supporter hit out at the club in a lengthy tweet today.
    Rachel Riley has opened up about Man Utd’s decision to axe Mason Greenwood
    Rachel shared her feelings alongside two pictures on her TwitterCredit: X
    Rachel slammed the team’s handling over the decision to axe Greenwood following his arrest for assault, attempted rape and coercive control.
    The Crown Prosecution Service chose not to proceed with the case against him but the club carried out their own probe into the claims.
    Rachel shared two images – one of her as a baby with a Utd teddy and a second with her two children wearing official kits.
    She said the decision to get rid of Greenwood was “right” but the statement released was “horrendous”.
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    Rachel added: “I’ve been a red since before I was born, I’ve passed it on to my baby girls and some of the all time best times of my life have been working with, and cheering on Man United, so I write with such a heavy heart – as a club we’ve handled this appallingly.”
    The TV star has been vocal of the Greenwood situation and threatened to pull her support for Utd if they backed him.
    She yesterday praised a “great statement” released by Women’s Aid after the club revealed their decision.
    The announcement brings an end to a 19-month saga for Utd after Greenwood’s arrest last January.
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    He was at the centre of a five month investigation by bosses despite the charges already being dropped against him in February.
    The team said Greenwood “did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged” after carrying out a probe.
    They added they had taken into account the “wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible”.
    Utd confirmed they examined evidence that was “not in the public domain”, including “from those with direct knowledge of the case”.
    The club added: “Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged.
    “That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.
    “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.
    “It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.”
    Greenwood also released a statement where he insisted he had not done what he was accused of but was “learning to understand my responsibilities as a professional footballer”.
    He added: “I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and I know people will think the worst.
    “I was brought up to know that violence or abuse is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges.
    “However, I fully accept I made mistakes, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post. 
    “Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me.
    “The best decision for us all, is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club.
    “I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me which is United. I am enormously grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support, and it is now for me to repay the trust those around me have shown.
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    “I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.”
    Rachel previously threatened to pull her support for the club if Greenwood stayedCredit: Getty
    The charges against Greenwood were dropped in FebruaryCredit: PA More

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    Major club linked to Mason Greenwood ‘now say top manager José Mourinho doesn’t want to be associated with him’

    A MAJOR club linked to Mason Greenwood has now reportedly said that its top manager José Mourinho doesn’t want to be associated with him.United are facing a mad scramble to get rid of Mason Greenwood in just ten days or face losing millions.
    Mason Greenwood was reportedly linked to AS RomaCredit: PA
    But manager José Mourinho reportedly does not want to be associated with himCredit: Getty
    The club yesterday announced their striker, 21, would not be returning to Old Trafford following his suspension.
    Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour, before the charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
    After weeks of speculation, the Red Devils forward is being written off by the Old Trafford outfit after uproar online from fans at the prospect of Greenwood making a comeback. 
    United have taken calls from clubs across Europe and Middle East who are interested in the 21-year-old forward.
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    Multiple outlets have reported that Greenwood was on the radar of ex-United boss Mourinho’s Serie A side AS Roma.
    But fan blog Roma Press claims that “Mourinho has no interest in reuniting with Mason Greenwood”.
    The website added that the Special One “does not wish to be associated” with Greenwood.
    It comes as The Times reports that Greenwood is being eyed up by a Turkish club who beat United – just hours after he was dumped in an explosive statement.
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    The newspaper reports that Turkish side Istanbul Başakşehir is one of the clubs which have thrown their hats in the ring.
    Başakşehir expressed their interest in signing Greenwood in a quick deal this month.
    The Red Devils lost 2-1 to Başakşehir in Istanbul in a November 2020 Champions League group stage tie.
    Weeks later United exacted a 4-1 revenge at Old Trafford, despite the best efforts of Başakşehir striker Demba Ba.
    Greenwood played in the match, coming on as a 60th minute substitute.
    Greenwood is also in line for a £10million Saudi Arabia deal with Steven Gerrard. More

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    Chelsea agree £14m transfer for MLS star Djordje Petrovic after seeing off competition from Man Utd

    CHELSEA are on the verge of signing New England Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.The Blues have been scouting a potential new No 1 since first-choice keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga left to join Real Madrid on a season-long loan.
    Chelsea are on the verge of signing PetrovicCredit: Getty
    They have already signed Robert Sanchez in a £25million transfer from Brighton this summer.
    But, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are now set to raid the MLS for Petrovic.
    Todd Boehly and Co have agreed to pay £12.5m plus £1.5m in add-ons for the New England goalkeeper.
    Petrovic is set to undergo a medical this week before penning a seven-year contract with an option to extend for another season.
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    The 23-year-old will likely play back-up to Sanchez at first, but Chelsea expect him to take over as the new No.1 in the near future.
    Petrovic spent one season in New England after joining from Serbian side FK Cukaricki in April 2022.
    He made 48 appearances for the MLS side and kept 15 clean sheets.
    Manchester United expressed an interest in signing the goalkeeper earlier this summer.
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    The Red Devils started to monitor him but they chose not to launch a bid.
    Instead, they signed Andre Onana in a £47m transfer from Inter Milan. More

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    Man Utd’s Maguire ‘worried he could play rubbish at West Ham and make situation more embarrassing’, says ex-England star

    GLEN JOHNSON says Harry Maguire is “worried he could play rubbish at West Ham and make the situation even more embarrassing.”The ex-West Ham full-back spoke about Maguire’s failed move to the London Stadium.
    Harry Maguire turned down a move to West HamCredit: Alamy
    Glen Johnson claims Maguire is not confident for a move away to East LondonCredit: Getty
    The Hammers were keen to bring in the former Manchester United captain.
    They had a £30million bid accepted by the Red Devils and the transfer was all agreed.
    But the London Stadium outfit grew so frustrated with waiting for Maguire to agree on personal terms that they walked away.
    Ex-Chelsea, West Ham and England star Johnson, however, claims Maguire is not “confident” enough to make the move to East London.
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    In an interview with Betfred, Johnson said: “If he was confident enough that he would be a success at West Ham, then I believe they would have got the deal done.
    “I think he’s worried that he could still play rubbish at West Ham and then the whole situation is even more embarrassing.
     “I just believe he isn’t as confident enough as he should be taking that move.”
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    Maguire made just eight league starts last season and he’s currently regarded as the fourth-choice centre-back at Old Trafford.
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    The England defender was included on the bench for the Red Devils’ Premier League opener against Wolves.
    Johnson continued: ” I think he needs to play football and show everybody that he’s still good enough to play for England.”
    The Man Utd ace was absent from Erik ten Hag’s squad against Tottenham on Saturday due to a minor injury.
    SunSport revealed West Ham are now looking at other alternatives, such as former Arsenal player Konstantinos Mavropanos who stood out for Stuttgart last season.
    The defender was benched for the Red Devil’s season opener against WolvesCredit: EPA More

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    I’m a Man Utd superfan – the club made the right call axing Mason Greenwood… but they face a much bigger problem now

    A MANCHESTER United superfan has claimed that the club made the right call axing Mason Greenwood.The Prem giants today announced that the striker, 21, would not be returning to Old Trafford following his suspension.
    Mason Greenwood will not be returning to Manchester United following an investigationCredit: Getty
    Greenwood has not played for Man Utd since being suspended in January 2022Credit: AFP
    In a statement released this afternoon, Man Utd confirmed they had finished the probe into Greenwood.
    But they did not reveal what the striker’s future holds – including whether his £75,000-a-week contract will be terminated or if he will be put on loan or sold.
    Now, Man Utd fan and journalist Tom McDermott has spoken out about the unrest surrounding the Prem ace.
    He said: “Manchester United have started the process that will see them part ways with Mason Greenwood – and it’s absolutely the right decision. The only decision.  
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    “We can talk about Greenwood’s immense talent all day. In fact, I have written articles on this very platform praising his excellence.  
    “But Greenwood the footballer is different to Greenwood the human being and he, as he admits in his own personal statement, has made mistakes.”
    And he added that the talented youngster’s return would have caused a huge amount of backlash and problems the club did not need.
    McDermott continued: “If Greenwood had returned, he would have been the story.
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    “Criticised from the terraces by some of his own fans, never mind the opposition. It was a huge problem United and manager Erik ten Hag didn’t need.  
    “I was criticised on social media myself when I said I wouldn’t attend matches if Greenwood was re-integrated’ into the squad.” 
    Greenwood’s fate had remained uncertain after he was suspended by Utd in the wake of his charge for attempted rape, assault and coercive control – even after the case was dropped.
    The striker last kicked a ball for United 19 months ago in January 2022.
    But loyal fan Tom has still been critical of how the club have approached the situation – with more trouble for the club set to come.
    He continued: “United’s handling of the situation has been questionable too.
    “It appeared that they were prepared to welcome him back in some form but fortunately, morals have risen ahead of football talent and finance.  
    “I hope United release him with another statement in the coming months. No doubt he will receive some kind of settlement, but I’d hate for United to receive any money for him via sale or loan fee.
    “The period of rehabilitation will go on for Greenwood and it remains to be see where he goes from here.  
    “For United, they have been taught some lessons as well. The statement last week probably accelerated the process but it’s been a messily dealt process from start to finish.  
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    “It’s the right conclusion. But it’s a sad end for United and Greenwood.”
    Tom regularly posts about all news regarding Utd with his handle @mrtommcdermott.
    The statements from the club and Mason in full
    Manchester United said: “Manchester United has concluded its internal investigation into the allegations made against Mason Greenwood. Our process commenced in February 2023, following all charges against Mason being dropped.
    “Throughout, we have taken into account the wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible.
    “This has required us to proceed with sensitivity and care to obtain evidence not in the public domain, including from those with direct knowledge of the case.
    “Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material alleged did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged.
    “That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for. All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United. It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.”
    Mason Greenwood added: “I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and I know people will think the worst. I was brought up to know that violence or abuse is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges.
    “However, I fully accept I made mistakes, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post. I am learning to understand my responsibilities to set a good example as a professional footballer, and I’m focused on the big responsibility of being a father, as well as a good partner.
    “Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me. The best decision for us all, is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club.
    “I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me which is United. I am enormously grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support, and it is now for me to repay the trust those around me have shown.
    “I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.”

    Greenwood had been at the club since he was sevenCredit: PA Media More

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    Man Utd fans say ‘it should be Antony instead’ as ‘best winger’ set for loan transfer to Premier League rival

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans are fuming at reports linking Facundo Pellistri with a loan move.The Uruguayan winger is set to join Sheffield United on a temporary basis.
    Facundo Pellistri is set to join Sheffield United on loanCredit: Rex
    According to The Telegraph, the Blades are in talks with United with regards to a potential move for the 21-year-old.
    Pellistri has been strongly linked with a loan move throughout the summer, despite coming off the bench in both United’s matches this season.
    Supporters are not happy with the idea of him being allowed to leave, though, with one tweeting: “Should be Antony leaving ffs.”
    Another added: “He’s their best winger right now, don’t get this.”
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    A third fan also wrote: “Would rather loan Antony.”
    Meanwhile, one more commented: “Send Antony there instead.”
    Pellestri impressed fans during pre-season, with several calling for him to be given more minutes this term.
    Since making his United debut in January, he has made just 12 competitive appearances for the club.
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    His opportunities have been limited as he competes with Antony for a starting spot on the right wing.
    However, Antony has started both matches so far this season, although he is yet to score or assist.
    The Brazilian has come in for criticism from fans since arriving at Old Trafford last summer.
    Since his move from Ajax, he has scored eight goals and added three assists in 46 appearances.
    Manchester United fans want Antony to leave insteadCredit: Alamy More