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    Mason Greenwood saga won’t distract Man Utd players, Erik ten Hag says – as angry fans are set to continue protests

    MANCHESTER United boss Erik ten Hag has insisted Mason Greenwood’s possible return to the team won’t distract players.The striker, 21, has been suspended since January last year after his arrest for rape and sexual assault.
    Erik ten Hag has insisted Mason Greenwood’s possible reintroduction into the team won’t distract playersCredit: Getty
    A final decision on Greenwood’s future by United’s chief executive Richard Arnold is expected after the Lionesses World Cup final against Spain on SundayCredit: Getty
    He was charged in October but the charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
    Now, after 18-months on the sideline, club bosses are ready to give Greenwood a second chance at Old Trafford.
    A final decision by United’s chief executive Richard Arnold is expected after the Lionesses World Cup final against Spain on Sunday.
    But protests against Greenwood’s possible return have gathered pace in recent days with more expected this weekend.
    Read More on Mason Greenwood
    Demonstrators marched outside Old Trafford before Monday’s opening home game against Wolves, urging United to block a return.
    On Thursday, Countdown host Rachel Riley vowed to stop supporting Manchester United if they welcome back Greenwood.
    But speaking at a press conference ahead of United’s clash with Tottenham on Saturday, ten Hag said he and the team won’t be distracted by off-field issues.
    Confronting both the Greenwood issue and club takeover saga, the Dutchman said: “No, we focus on the way of playing.
    Most read in Football
    “We focus on the team performance. It is about the players who are available so we focus on Tottenham.
    “Every start to the season is difficult. We know that, we are really aware of it. The (Wolves) performance was not what we hoped but we won.”
    Greenwood’s last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham, which United won 1-0.
    In June, Greenwood was spotted working on his close control and shooting in a 90-minute session on an £85-an-hour pitch.
    He was then filmed last week running drills with pals at a public sports facility.
    It comes as anti-Glazer protests have erupted over the American owners’ refusal to accept bids in excess of £5billion for United.
    Qatari Emir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have shown interest in the North West club following the launch of a strategic review nine months ago. More

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    I got rid of Man Utd kit Ryan Giggs gave me, says Rachel Riley… as she threatens to pull support over Mason Greenwood

    COUNTDOWN co-host Rachel Riley has revealed she got rid of the Manchester United kit Ryan Giggs gave her as she threatens to pull her support over Mason Greenwood. The maths whizz, 37, and Red Devils fan was gifted the top with her name and the number ’86 on – the year she was born – back in 2013 when Giggs, 48, made a guest appearance on the Channel 4 show.
    Rachel Riley has revealed she ditched the football top given to her by Giggs following his arrest
    The TV presenter was gifted the strip by Giggs when he appeared on CountdownCredit: PA:Press Association
    It comes as she announced she wouldn’t support the club anymore if they let Greenwood back in the squadCredit: Getty
    Despite supporting Man Utd for years, the TV presenter has now said she has gotten rid of the strip and is even considering ditching the club altogether.
    Rachel revealed she had binned the present from former ace Giggs amid his arrest following an alleged assault on his ex-girlfriend in 2020.
    He was charged with two counts of assault – which he denied – before they were dropped in July this year.
    And Rachel has now said if current-suspended striker Greenwood, 21, is allowed to return, she won’t be able to support the club.
    READ MORE ON GREENWOOD
    It comes as club bosses are expected to make a decision imminently about whether to allow him back in the squad.
    Greenwood was arrested and charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour back in January 2022.
    He recently had all charges dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in February this year.
    Greenwood hasn’t kicked a ball for Man Utd since but chief exec Richard Arnold is expected to announce his rumoured comeback after the Lionesses World Cup final against Spain on Sunday.
    Most read in Football
    The delay in revealing the decision comes as Manchester Untied Women’s team will be consulted after some were understood to have reservations about the return.
    Man Utd goalkeeper Mary Earps and midfielders Ella Toone and Katie Zelem are all currently in Australia for the tournament.
    Greenwood could have his contract terminated, be put back into the first team, loaned out or sold.
    Last week the club released provisional squad numbers for the new season – with him omitted.
    In his last season, Greenwood wore No11 on his back – but that number as well as the player himself did not appear on the list.
    Manager Erik ten Hag and the majority of the first team have suggested they were open to the idea of bringing the Greenwood back.
    The maths whizz told her Twitter followers she wouldn’t be able to carry on supporting UtdCredit: Channel 4 More

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    TOTTENHAM host Manchester United on Saturday night and Sky Bet are celebrating with an enormous offer.Brand new customers who sign up to Sky Bet customers can claim incredible odds of 40/1 for their to be at least ONE shot on target inside 90 minutes – which is up from 1/100!
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    If Mason Greenwood stays at Man Utd I’ll stop supporting the club, says Channel 4 star Rachel Riley

    COUNTDOWN co-host Rachel Riley has vowed to stop supporting Manchester United if they welcome back Mason Greenwood.The keen Red Devils fan has spoken out as the Premier League club prepares to end the ex-England striker’s suspension in days.
    Rachel Riley has threatened to quit supporting Manchester United
    A decision on Mason Greenwood’s United future is about to be announcedCredit: Getty
    Protests over the club’s approach were held outside Old Trafford on MondayCredit: Getty
    Channel 4’s Countdown co-host Rachel posted on Twitter: “I won’t be able to support United if Greenwood remains at the club.”
    Her comments came after The Sun revealed how Greenwood is expected to be reinstated at United as early as next week.
    Greenwood, 21, hasn’t played for the first team since being arrested in January last year for attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
    All charges against him were dropped in February but the footballer remains suspended by United.
    Read More On Manchester United
    There has, however, been recent talk suggesting a possible return from their head coach Erik ten Hag.
    Members of Manchester United Women’s team have reportedly raised concerns about the prospect of Greenwood returning to the training ground.
    And protests were staged at Old Trafford before United’s opening match of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers last Monday.
    Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Rachel, 37, was responding to broadcast comments from another female United fan, named Em, saying she would “walk away from my club” if Greenwood returned.
    Most read in Football
    Rachel told her 684,000 Twitter followers: “I’m with Em, I won’t be able to support United if Greenwood remains at the club.
    “We’ve all seen and heard enough. Pretending this is ok would be a huge part of the problem.
    “It would be devastating for my club to contribute to a culture that brushes this under the carpet and send a message to perpetrators everywhere that you can continue to act as you wish with no consequences.
    “I really hope they do the right thing.”
    DECISION DUE IN NEXT FEW DAYS
    Essex-born Rachel has previously shown her love of United in Instagram posts including visits to Old Trafford to cheer them on.
    She also revealed how she kitted out daughter Maven in team colours aged just eight months old.
    Rachel even combined presenting duties with watching them in action thanks to an out-of-shot TV behind the Countdown board.
    She also used her Twitter account to criticise United fans who flew a banner above a match mocking then-club chief Ed Woodward.
    Greenwood, suspended on full pay of £75,000 a week, has been training alone – following drills drawn up by United’s coaching staff.
    His last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham United, which United won 1-0.
    He was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
    But prosecutors withdrew the case on February 2 after his alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
    United’s chief executive Richard Arnold is expected to make a decision on Greenwood’s future over the next 48 hours.
    But the announcement will be delayed until after the England Lionesses’ World Cup final this Sunday against Spain.
    Bradford-born Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for Manchester United, having joined the club as a six-year-old.
    He was given his England debut by manager Gareth Southgate as a late substitute against Iceland in September 2020, though has not played for the country since.
    UNITED TALKS ‘IN FINAL STAGES’
    United said in a statement yesterday the club had completed “a thorough investigation” into the allegations against Greenwood.
    They added: “This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain.
    “We have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case.”
    United said the welfare of his alleged victim had been at the forefront of the internal investigation.
    But the statement went on: “We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner. 
    “The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future. 
    “Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation.
    Read More on The Sun
    “This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain. 
    “We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process.”
    Rachel says she will no longer support United if they allow Greenwood backCredit: Getty
    Rachel has shared on Instagram photos showing her love of the club
    The Countdown co-host has urged Old Trafford bosses to ‘do the right thing’
    Greenwood was cleared of all charges against him in FebruaryCredit: AFP More

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    Benjamin Pavard next club: Arsenal odds slashed as hijack of Man Utd deal looking more likely

    MANCHESTER UNITED appeared to be in the driving seat to wrap up Benjamin Pavard’s signature this month.But bookmakers Sky Bet have slashed the odds of Arsenal hijacking the move this summer and they’re now the 4/1 second favourites.
    Arsenal odds of signing Pavard slashed as Gunners ‘could hijack Man Utd move’Credit: Getty
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    United remain in pole position and sit odds-on in the betting market as the 4/5 leaders.
    But their efforts to sign the 27-year-old French defender in recent days following Harry Maguire’s reluctance to leave Old Trafford.
    The Pavard links ramped up a notch following West Ham’s bid for Maguire being accepted, only for the former United skipper to decline the move.
    Pavard had already informed current club Bayern Munich that he was ready to quit for Erik ten Hag’s side but that move has become more complicated now.
    However, a move to England could yet be on the cards with Arsenal seemingly pondering a move to hijack United’s move as they eye cover for Jurrien Timber.
    Benjamin Pavard next clubSky Bet odds

    Pavard’s also moved into the final 12 months of his current Bayern contract.
    The £40million defender injured his anterior cruciate ligament on the opening day and now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines – one that could see him miss the entirety of the campaign.
    And Fabrizio Romano has suggested there could be a chance that Mikel Arteta makes a move to cover that Timber-shaped hole with a move for Pavard.
    Within the tweet, Romano also suggested Pavard sits top of Inter’s summer wishlist so that could be a move that scuppers his Premier League future.
    Inter are yet to be added to the betting market, with only Liverpool at 11/1 rivalling the Premier League pair.
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    Remember to gamble responsibly
    A responsible gambler is someone who:

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    Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
    Never chase their losses
    Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
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    Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

    For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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    Exact date Man Utd are set to reveal Mason Greenwood WILL be welcomed back into the fold

    MASON Greenwood is expected to be reinstated at Manchester United as early as next week, we can reveal.The striker, 21, has been suspended since January last year after his arrest for rape and sexual assault.
    Mason Greenwood will return to Manchester United
    Fans have slammed his rumoured comeback
    But after 18-months on the sideline club bosses are now ready to hand him a second chance at Old Trafford.
    A final decision will be made over the next 48 hours by United’s chief executive Richard Arnold.
    But the announcement will be delayed until after the Lionesses World Cup final against Spain on Sunday.
    A source said: “This has been a long and difficult process for everyone involved, but it’s nearing the end.
    Read More Mason Greenwood
    “The internal investigation is over and Mason is likely to be reinstated at Old Trafford. 
    “He’s made no secret of his desire to to get back to doing what he does best.
    “He’s already got the backing of the players and manager Erik ten Hag. He’s just waiting for the green light.
    “The club will communicate its decision as early as Tuesday after the women’s World Cup final.”
    Most read in Football
    It remains unclear if Greenwood will return to first team training or be sent out on a season long loan.
    Sources said Greenwood was against a move abroad and United are reluctant to loan him to a Premier League rival.
    One option being considered is a rehabilitation via United’s under-23s or the reserves, another source said.
    The club has not consulted its England women’s players, Ella Toone and Mary Earps, who are preparing for the biggest game of their lives.
    Bosses are keen to avoid any distractions ahead of their winner takes all match against La Rojas in Sydney.
    United said it had completed “a thorough investigation” into the allegations against Greenwood.
    In a statement the club added: “This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain.
    “We have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case.”
    It said the welfare of his alleged victim had been at the forefront of its internal probe.
    But the statement went on: “We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner. 
    “The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future. 
    “Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation. 
    “Responsibility ultimately rests with the Chief Executive Officer. 
    “Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders. 
    “This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain. 
    “We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process.”
    For now, Greenwood, who has been suspended on full pay of £75,000-a-week, continues to train alone.
    He is following drills drawn up and overseen by United’s coaching staff but delivered by personal trainers at an £85-a-year public pitch.
    United kicked-off their new Premier League season with a 1-0 win against Wolves on Monday – with some fans protesting against his imminent return.
    But club officials – including his teammates, coaches and manager – are keen for the sage to be brought to an end.
    If he is reinstated it would herald a remarkable comeback for a player once valued at around £50million and regarded as one of the hottest young talents in European football.
    After his arrest, fans with replica shirts bearing his name were told they could exchange them for free and the club removed all merchandise related to the player from its website and megastore.
    Nike, which signed a boot deal with the player in 2020, also ended its multi-million pound sponsorship deal with Greenwood while EA Sports removed the player from its iconic FIFA 22 video game.
    His last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham, which United won 1-0.
    The England ace was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
    Read More on The Sun
    But prosecutors withdrew the case on February 2 after his alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
    Greenwood hoped it would lead to an Old Trafford return but was told he would have to continue to wait until the internal probe was conducted.
    Greenwood has been suspended by United since January 2022Credit: Getty
    Protesters gathered outside Old Trafford earlier this weekCredit: LNP
    Greenwood in training with his dad and baby son More

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    Liverpool set to HIJACK Man Utd transfer for Sofyan Amrabat with deal ‘to be finalised in next few days’

    LIVERPOOL are looking to hijack Manchester United’s move for Sofyan Amrabat, Dutch reports say. Jurgen Klopp has been in search of a midfielder all summer having seen Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keita and James Milner leave.
    Liverpool are looking to hijack Manchester United’s move for Sofyan AmrabatCredit: Getty
    But he has so far been left empty handed after Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia both snubbed Anfield for Chelsea.
    Now, according to AD in the Netherlands, Liverpool are close to signing Amrabat.
    It is claimed the Premier League club are “on track to finalise the deal in the coming days.”
    That would come as a blow to Manchester United, who have long been linked with the Moroccan international.
    READ MORE IN football
    Klopp had announced that a deal with Brighton to sign Caicedo was done after Brighton accepted a £111million bid.
    But the player had his heart set on Chelsea, who later came in with a Premier League record offer of £115m.
    Lightening then struck twice after Liverpool came to terms with Southampton over the signing of Lavia.
    But again, the man himself wanted Chelsea and is now close to a move after Southampton accepted a deal worth £58m.
    Most read in Football
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    Liverpool were forced to play forward Cody Gakpo in midfield during their 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Sunday.
    Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure has since emerged as an alternative signing for Klopp before the window shuts.
    But Real Madrid have no intention of selling Liverpool’s top target Aurelien Tchouameni.
    Jurgen Klopp is in the market for a midfielderCredit: Getty More

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    Will Mason Greenwood play for Manchester United again? Everything we know so far

    MANCHESTER United have given fans an update on Mason Greenwood’s future.The striker, 21, has not played for United since being arrested in January last year.
    Manchester United fans have been given an update about Mason GreenwoodCredit: Getty
    Fans have slammed his rumoured comeback
    He was later charged with attempted rape, assault and coercive control, before the charges were dropped in February.
    Greenwood has been waiting to discover his fate at United since, with the club remaining tight-lipped over their own internal investigation.
    Here’s everything you need to know about the latest Mason Greenwood update.
    Will Mason Greenwood play for Manchester United again?
    Mason Greenwood is expected to be reinstated at Manchester United as early as next week, The Sun can reveal.
    Read More Mason Greenwood
    The striker, 21, has been suspended since January last year after his arrest for rape and sexual assault.
    But after 18-months on the sideline club bosses are now ready to hand him a second chance at Old Trafford.
    A final decision will be made over the next 48 hours by United’s chief executive Richard Arnold.
    But the announcement will be delayed until after the Lionesses World Cup final against Spain on Sunday.
    Most read in Football
    A source said: “This has been a long and difficult process for everyone involved, but it’s nearing the end.
    “The internal investigation is over and Mason is likely to be reinstated at Old Trafford. 
    “He’s made no secret of his desire to to get back to doing what he does best.
    “He’s already got the backing of the players and manager Erik ten Hag. He’s just waiting for the green light.
    “The club will communicate its decision as early as Tuesday after the women’s World Cup final.”
    It remains unclear if Greenwood will return to first team training or be sent out on a season long loan.
    Sources said Greenwood was against a move abroad and United are reluctant to loan him to a Premier League rival.
    One option being considered is a rehabilitation via United’s under-23s or the reserves, another source said.
    The club has not consulted its England women’s players, Ella Toone and Mary Earps, who are preparing for the biggest game of their lives.
    Bosses are keen to avoid any distractions ahead of their winner takes all match against La Rojas in Sydney.
    United said it had completed “a thorough investigation” into the allegations against Greenwood.
    In a statement the club added: “This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain.
    “We have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case.”
    It said the welfare of his alleged victim had been at the forefront of its internal probe.
    But the statement went on: “We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner. 
    “The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future. 
    “Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation. 
    “Responsibility ultimately rests with the Chief Executive Officer. 
    “Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders. 
    “This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain. 
    “We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process.”
    For now, Greenwood, who has been suspended on full pay of £75,000-a-week, continues to train alone.
    He is following drills drawn up and overseen by United’s coaching staff but delivered by personal trainers at an £85-a-year public pitch.
    United kicked-off their new Premier League season with a 1-0 win against Wolves on Monday – with some fans protesting against his imminent return.
    But club officials – including his teammates, coaches and manager – are keen for the saga to be brought to an end.
    If he is reinstated it would herald a remarkable comeback for a player once valued at around £50million and regarded as one of the hottest young talents in European football.
    After his arrest, fans with replica shirts bearing his name were told they could exchange them for free and the club removed all merchandise related to the player from its website and megastore.
    Nike, which signed a boot deal with the player in 2020, also ended its multi-million pound sponsorship deal with Greenwood while EA Sports removed the player from its iconic FIFA 22 video game.
    His last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham, which United won 1-0.
    The England ace was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
    But prosecutors withdrew the case on February 2 after his alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
    Greenwood hoped it would lead to an Old Trafford return but was told he would have to continue to wait until the internal probe was conducted.
    How many times has Mason Greenwood played for Manchester United?
    Mason Greenwood has made 129 appearances for Manchester United’s first team since his debut in 2018.
    Read More on The Sun
    He has only played once for England, in a September 2020 away win against Iceland.
    Gareth Southgate sent Greenwood home after he and Phil Foden broke quarantine rules at their hotel. More