Jamie Carragher questions Manchester United’s handling of the Mason Greenwood situation, saying: ‘If these stories hadn’t leaked, what decision would they have reached?’
Jamie Carragher believes Manchester United ‘have come to the right decision’ about Mason Greenwood, but wondered if they would have gotten there without extreme backlash from the public.
After a six-month internal investigation into Greenwood’s withdrawn attempted rape, assault and coercion control, Manchester United announced in a statement on Monday that the attacker would no longer be playing for the club.
However, it was reported last week that Richard Arnold, CEO of the Red Devils, had initially planned to announce Greenwood’s reintegration to his staff and the general public in the first week of August.
Following these leaked reports, United fans heavily criticized the club for proposing to welcome Greenwood back into the fold.
Ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Crystal Palace on Monday, Carragher said: “I think although Manchester United have come to the decision they have to make, you have to say it’s the right one.”
Jamie Carragher believes Man United have ‘made the right decision’ about Mason Greenwood
He also wondered if they would have gotten there without extreme backlash from the public
There were reports that Manchester United chief executive Richard Arnold (pictured) told senior staff more than two weeks ago that Greenwood would be coming back to Old Trafford
The striker was charged with attempted rape, assault and coercion in January 2022
A group of Man United supporters protested before the club’s first home game of the season, outlining their opposition to the reintegration of 21-year-old striker Greenwood into the first team.
“I think we all agree across the board – that you know the right decision has been made, that he is no longer playing for Manchester United.
“But I feel like what you just mentioned, public opinion, a story that has been leaked over the past few weeks, came out and caused quite a stir as well. I think that almost forced Manchester United and you’re almost thinking what decision Manchester United would have come to if these stories hadn’t leaked out.
“And then of course you get the power of public opinion, and that would be a concern and you have to reiterate what Gary (Neville) just said about leadership at the top of the club, but ultimately they have to make the right decision now.”
Following news of his potential re-integration, Countdown co-host and long-time Manchester United fan Rachel Riley insisted she would stop supporting the club if they welcomed him back into contention.