Mason Greenwood loan move: Man Utd U-turn, Getafe manager and director speak out amid backlash

Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood will spend the 2023/24 season on loan at Getafe, and the move has made plenty of headlines.

Greenwood has not played a match since January 2022, the same month he was arrested and subsequently charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault. Those charges were dropped in February, with United launching an internal investigation into the matter.

The club decided that while they were convinced he was not guilty of the allegations made against him, Greenwood’s career would be best served away from Old Trafford. Greenwood has always denied the charges against him, but admitted to making ‘mistakes’ in his relationship.

United made a late deadline-day decision to send Greenwood on loan, and the deal has sparked plenty of conversation both in the UK and in Spain. Here, we round up the latest.

Man Utd U-turn

United’s original statement on Greewood read: “Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged. That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.

“All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United. It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.”

Club officials originally planned to reintroduce the 21-year-old into the squad, before a public backlash resulted in a U-turn from the United hierarchy.

A statement after the loan deal was struck read: “The move enables Greenwood to begin to rebuild his career away from Manchester United. The club will continue to offer its support to Mason and his family during this period of transition.”

United have said they don’t expect Greenwood to represent the club again, but have not entirely ruled it out. The question remains whether United will stick to their word in keeping the talented youngster away from the club long-term, even if he impresses during his loan spell with Getafe.

The 21-year-old is under contract until 2025.

What Getafe’s manager has said

José Bordalás, Getafe’s manager, said of the Greenwood deal: “It’s a delicate situation. Everyone knows what happened and I know they took measures. We can only speak of the football. Of other topics, whoever had to do something did. He had a non-convictory sentence, he was absolved. As a footballer, he is at a great level and he comes with great hope.

“I have already said what I had to say. I can only speak of his footballing level. We all know the potential he has. He is a young boy and we have to help him adapt to a different league.”

What have Getafe’s bosses said?

Getafe’s sporting director Ruben Reyes has said: “We did what we do - sign players that are available to sign. There is no need for us to handle anything (off the pitch).

“We have signed a footballer who is just the same as (fellow signings) Diego Rico and Oscar Rodriguez, and that’s it. We have to do our job, and that’s what we focus on.”