Mason Greenwood’s new manager says loan signing is ‘delicate issue’
Mason Greenwood’s new manager has said signing the player is a “delicate issue” that is “kind of a tough situation to talk about”.
Greenwood left Manchester United on transfer deadline day amid questions over his future, after an attempted rape charge against the footballer was dropped earlier this year.
He has joined Spanish side Getafe on a season-long loan.
New manager Jose Bordalas said he did not want to get involved in “other issues” when asked about Greenwood’s off-the-field matters.
“Right now, it’s kind of a tough situation to talk about,” he said. “It’s a delicate issue, really.
“We know what happened, I think everybody knows what happened, and the measures were taken.
“Let’s talk about football. I don’t think we need to get involved with other issues.”
Bordalas praised Greenwood as a “great football player” who “comes to Getafe with high hopes”.
“We’re gonna support him, so he can get back to his best level,” he added.
The forward was charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour in October 2022. He had initially been arrested in January that year.
In February 2023 the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it had a “duty to stop the case” following the “withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light”.
Those developments meant there was “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction” and led to the decision by the CPS to discontinue prosecution and drop the charges against Greenwood.
Following an internal investigation, Manchester United said the striker would not play for the club.
In a statement, the club said: “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.”
Greenwood said: “I fully accept I made mistakes… and I take my share of responsibility.”
He has always denied any criminal charges.