Manchester United held a crisis meeting with some staff planning to resign over the potential return of Mason Greenwood, it has been claimed.
Greenwood has been suspended by United since January last year following allegations relating to a woman after images and videos were posted online.
The 21-year-old United star was subsequently charged with attempted rape, assault, and controlling and coercive behaviour, after the claims emerged. However, the charges were discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service in February this year, while United launched their own internal investigation into the matter.
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On Wednesday, United said they were working "through the final stages" of their internal investigation into Greenwood, having completed the "fact-finding phase".
The statement by United was released minutes after the Athletic had claimed United's direction of travel was for the forward to return in some form. The club allegedly planned to bring Greenwood back into the fold, but the fierceness of debate around his future, among other things, has made them pause.
And the Athletic have now alleged that sources close to the club, who have remained anonymous, have claimed that senior United executives have held several "intense" meetings with staff.
Some employees reportedly feel ashamed by the club’s decision to potentially bring Greenwood back to the fold. .
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Indeed, the publication alleged that some staff members discussed resigning in the event United continue to pursue the reported plan laid out by United CEO Richard Arnold, while others have considered coordinated action, with some staff even exploring a strike.
The Athletic also claimed, again via anonymous sources, that the club’s preparations for Greenwood’s return included an assessment of the expected sentiment of external figures. Various football pundits, journalists and politicians were said to have been categorised on whether they would be for or against Greenwood’s reintegration.
The planning allegedly divided these individuals into groups to the effect of “supportive”, “open-minded” or “hostile”. The club’s document reportedly listed a series of domestic abuse charities assumed to be “hostile”.
SPORTbible have been in touch with United for comment regarding the above claims.
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Meanwhile, a United spokesman told the Athletic: “Manchester United has planned for various potential scenarios in relation to the future of Mason Greenwood. The Athletic has been leaked selective elements of one such scenario plan from several weeks ago. This is a difficult and sensitive case. It is entirely proper that we have taken a careful and thorough approach to planning for the various potential outcomes, including how we would engage with stakeholders and explain the decision after it is made. As previously stated, we are in the final stages of that process and will bring it to a conclusion as soon as possible.”
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Football, Manchester United, Mason Greenwood