Exiled Man United star Mason Greenwood comes off the bench to make his debut for Getafe against Osasuna in his FIRST appearance since January 2022
- Mason Greenwood has come off the bench to make his debut for Getafe
- It is his first appearance since he last played for Man United in January 2022
- Listen to the latest episode of the Mail Sport podcast It all starts!
Mason Greenwood has made his debut for Getafe from the bench in his first appearance since last playing for Manchester United in January 2022.
The 21-year-old came on as a 77th-minute substitute during his side’s LaLiga match with Osasuna – his first since joining the club on loan from Manchester United in the summer transfer window.
His move to the club was criticized after United decided he would no longer play for the club after criminal charges against him were dropped, but the club stood by their decision.
He has received good support from the Spanish club’s fans and they will probably see him in action this afternoon.
Getafe secured a 3–2 victory, with Nemanja Maksimovic scoring an 86th-minute winner with Greenwood on the pitch.
Mason Greenwood has made his debut for Getafe – his first appearance since January 2022
Greenwood (centre left) joins his team’s celebrations after they scored an 86th minute winner
Greenwood’s first appearance in 20 months came as a substitute in the 77th minute
The 21-year-old attacker is on loan to Manchester United this season
Greenwood waved to Getafe fans before kick-off of Sunday’s LaLiga match
Before the match it was announced that Greenwood had made the bench for his new side
Greenwood joined Getafe on deadline day in September after lengthy discussions over whether he would be reintegrated into United’s first-team squad.
Manager Jose Bordalas had insisted on Greenwood’s patience before making his debut, but he was included in the squad earlier this week ahead of the weekend.
Bordalas confirmed that Greenwood will need an ‘adjustment period’ ahead of their league match against Osasuna on Sunday, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
He said: ‘It’s a big hope and there’s a big anticipation to see him. He’s been out of competition for a year and a half, unemployed, and he’s in that period of adjustment and catching up with his teammates.
‘We have to be patient and take care of him. The day will tell us when he can compete. You have to have patience.
‘We know the potential and the level he has. I don’t like to talk on an individual level, but the teammates help him a lot.
‘The dressing room, like the rest of the new players, welcomed him with open arms and everyone felt the warmth of the group.’
Getafe were branded ‘tone deaf’ after his arrival after invoking ‘MasonMania’ on social media, but regardless put on a glitzy display for the player’s welcome and continued to support the 21-year-old on social media.
Greenwood told those in attendance at his unveiling that he was “feeling good” and “happy to be here,” and later took to his Instagram page to reflect on his “amazing first day.”
Greenwood has largely been welcomed with open arms since moving to Spain on loan from Manchester United
The United loanee has been training with his new teammates and is now match fit
The move came after criminal charges against Greenwood, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February.
After a lengthy investigation into the dropped charges, United decided that Greenwood would leave the club this summer.
A United spokesperson said: ‘All involved, including Mason, recognize the difficulties in resuming his career at Manchester United. “We therefore mutually agree that it would be most appropriate for him to do this away from Old Trafford and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.”
Although it is unclear where he will end up when his contract with United expires, Greenwood hopes to continue on the pitch today.
