Access denied: Saudi Pro League slam doors on Manchester United outcast Mason Greenwood

Mason Greenwood will join Marseille this summer || Credit: Imago

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Mason Greenwood, Manchester United forward || Credit: Imago

FOOTBALL Access denied: Saudi Pro League slam doors on Manchester United outcast Mason Greenwood

Joel Omotto 15:30 - 23.08.2023

Mega rich Saudi Arabia are reluctant to allow their clubs to sign Greenwood over fears that his attempted rape and assault allegations could damage their image

Manchester United outcast Mason Greenwood will not be able to resurrect his career in Saudi Arabia as the country’s football chiefs fear taking on the striker would be damaging to their public image.

Greenwood is on the lookout for a new club after United opted against reintegrating him into the squad following a six-month internal investigation into his conduct.

The 21-year-old was suspended by United in January 2022 over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online.

Charges including attempted rape and assault were discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service in February this year but reports he was set to be retained by United were met with a public outcry.

Saudi Arabia was one destinations deemed possible for Greenwood to return to action with Steven Gerard’s Al-Ettifaq reported to be willing to offer him a 10 million pound a year contract but the former England midfielder has dismissed the reports as ‘fake news.’

Both the BBC and Telegraph cite senior sources at the Saudi Pro League who indicate the serious nature of the allegations involving Greenwood are likely to preclude one of their clubs from signing him.

It has also become clear that Roma – managed by former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho – do not want to be associated with Greenwood.

Italian outlet Il Tempo, via Roma Press, have claimed Roma do not want to bring Greenwood to the club as they look to distance themselves from the 21-year-old.

Roma need a striker but it is thought that Mourinho does not want to be associated with the former Manchester United striker.

United’s handling of the case was described as “pretty horrible” by their former captain Gary Neville, who accused his former employers of lacking leadership and dragging out the inquiry.

Greenwood said in a statement on Monday he “did not do the things I was accused of” but added he had “made mistakes” and took his “share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post”.

United said in their statement: “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.”

The PA news agency understands the club are working with Greenwood’s family to find the right environment for him to continue his career, with discussions under way to find the correct solution.

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