Full statement from female fans protesting the potential re-inclusion of Mason Greenwood at Manchester United.
A group of Manchester United supporters are planning a protest opposing the potential inclusion of Mason Greenwood into the squad.
Greenwood, 21, had been facing charges including attempted rape and assault but the Crown Prosecution Service discontinued the case and dropped all charges against him in February.
United have been carrying out their own internal investigation since then. The club said they would make a decision about the player before the start of the season.
Fan group ‘Female Fans Against Greenwood’s Return’ have released a statement outlining plans for a protest before United’s match against Wolves on Monday 14 August.
The fan group have urged United not to welcome Greenwood back into the team and ‘for the club to make the right decision’.
Erik ten Hag is understood to be reluctant to sell Greenwood and United are considering the possibility of a loan for him.
The forward has not returned to United’s Carrington training complex since the charges were dropped.
In the statement, they said: “Today, we female fans of Manchester United are demanding that the club to abide by their duty of care towards their female fans and employees and demonstrate a zero tolerance approach towards acts of violence against women by refusing to bring Mason Greenwood back into the squad.
“The situation is clear – taking Greenwood back legitimises and normalises sexual assault and domestic abuse.
“It tells other players, and the men and boys that look up to them, that abusing women is acceptable, without consequence, and won’t affect you or derail your career.
“We are calling on the club to do the right thing. For their fans, for their employees, for the millions of young boys and girls across the world who look up to our players as heroes and role models, and the millions of women whose lives have been blighted by violence and abuse.”
The Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges against Greenwood on 2 February, 2023 and United have conducted their own inquiries as they ‘determine the next steps’, with the club’s decision expected before the opening game of the season against Wolves.
Ahead of that game against Wolves on Monday night, a number of supporters have shared their intention to protest against the possibility of Greenwood returning to the squad by releasing a statement on social media.
