A Manchester member of parliament has expressed his “real disappointment” in the way Manchester United have managed the decision regarding the reintegration of Mason Greenwood.
Andrew Western, the Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston, encouraged the club to act ‘with integrity’ and to prioritise arriving at the ‘right decision’.
Western took to Twitter to say: “Really disappointed at how United have handled this. Their attention should be on arriving at the right decision, voicing support for victims of domestic abuse & sexual assault, and acting with integrity. The club must understand this isn’t about managing their image but doing what’s morally correct.”
Really disappointed at how United have handled this. They should be focused on making the correct decision, speaking up in support of victims of domestic abuse & sexual assault, and acting with integrity. The club must realise this isn’t a PR crisis it’s about doing what’s right. https://t.co/islZrw8BLb
— Andrew Western MP (@AndrewHWestern) August 18, 2023
Mason Greenwood has been on suspension since his arrest in January 2022, subsequently facing charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault causing actual bodily harm.
However, by February of this year, all charges against the player were dismissed, prompting the club to carry out an internal review to determine whether to reintegrate the player into the main squad.
Tensions rose this week when The Athletic reported that the chief executive, Richard Arnold, had informed staff earlier in August of the club’s intentions to reintroduce Greenwood to the team, but had put off announcing the decision to the public.
Despite the club issuing a statement asserting that a decision was still pending, further revelations from The Athletic suggest that United had already initiated public relations strategies in anticipation of the forward’s comeback.
Western’s comments add to a growing wave of criticism against United’s approach to the matter. The renowned TV host Rachel Riley openly declared she would withdraw her support from the club should Greenwood be reinstated. Moreover, insider sources hint that several staff members have pondered resigning if the forward is welcomed back.
