- Mason Greenwood left Manchester United for Marseille on Thursday
- The striker’s £30million transfer has been criticised by a large number of supporters in France
- United fans have also reacted to the saga, with some expressing relief
A Manchester United supporters group who were furious about the return of Mason Greenwood expressed relief after he sealed a £30million move to Marseille, but they say the sale was partly motivated by a desire for good PR.
Greenwood, 22, finally ended a long-running saga at Old Trafford after arriving in France to undergo a medical and sign his contract.
He had not played for United since his arrest in January 2022.
The attacker was then Nine months later, he was charged with attempted rape, assault causing bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behavior. However, the charges and the case were dropped in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew.
Greenwood strongly denies any wrongdoing.
A group of Manchester United fans have expressed their relief at the departure of Mason Greenwood
Greenwood’s long-running Old Trafford saga came to an end following his £30million transfer to Marseille
The attacker was arrested in early 2022 and charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behavior in October. The charges and case were later dropped.
United made the controversial decision to reintegrate Greenwood last summer, but reversed course after a backlash from supporters and charities, saying it was ‘most appropriate’ for him to continue his career elsewhere.
Female Fans Against Greenwood’s Return (FFAGR) have been at the forefront of the protests and released a statement shortly after Greenwood’s departure welcoming the news. However, they believe the move was not just for “moral reasons.”
“Tonight’s announcement comes with mixed emotions,” a statement read. “Relief that this grim period in our history is now over and that survivors of abuse will no longer be confronted with a reminder of their darkest experiences while watching Manchester United play.
‘It is sad to see a generational talent, who could have achieved so much at the club, lose out because his moral strength off the pitch did not match his talent on the pitch.
‘The concern about what happens to someone who has had terrible experiences has become known to the general public.
‘I hope this whole sad episode will bring about change and make young players realise that no matter how much talent you have in the world, it is ultimately your humanity and compassion, or lack thereof, that determines your success.’
Female fans against Greenwood’s return have released a lengthy statement on X
United made the decision to reintegrate Greenwood last summer, but then made an about-face
Hundreds of Marseille supporters gathered to welcome Greenwood ahead of his medical
The group added: ‘We are not so naive as to think that moving this player was done solely for moral reasons.
‘The need for income and the desire for positive PR from a board that wants to free up money for the redevelopment of the stadium probably played a major role.’
They criticised United’s former hierarchy, concluding: ‘But it feels like this is a far cry from the shambolic incompetence of last summer, when the fans played a part in a rethink and turnaround of weak, disorganised and out-of-touch management.’
Greenwood’s move to Ligue 1 sparked fierce protests from supporters, with Marseille mayor Benoit Payan calling the player a “disgrace”.
Hundreds of people gathered to greet Greenwood when he landed in France on Wednesday evening, but fans appear divided, with both #GreenwoodNotWelcome and #GreenwoodWelcome trending on X.
Post Sport has contacted Manchester United for comment.