‘Fans not comfortable with Greenwood return’, says female Manchester United fan
On February 2, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced all charges against Mason Greenwood had been dropped.
The Manchester United and England striker faced one charge of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, all against the same complainant.
Since then, Manchester United confirmed the club “will now conduct its own process before determining next steps.”
With the internal investigation still continuing two weeks after the charges were dropped, female fans of the club have contemplated what future they see the forward has with their team, with Nike dropping Greenwood following the case.
Amy Cocker, a Manchester United fan of 24 years and a member of female-run social media fan group She Devils United, says when the allegations first arose back in January 2022 she was “shocked.”
“My first concern was the girl because I kind of knew she would get a lot of backlash for it because of people’s behaviour on twitter when it comes to footballers.”
When asked if she believes Greenwood who has an active contract until June 2025 with an option of an extension of a year, could return to the first-team squad, she said: “I don’t think I would be comfortable.
“I am part of She Devils United and we all talked about it internally and a few people there said they wouldn’t feel comfortable returning to Old Trafford if they let him back.”
The 29-year-old raised concerns about the criminal justice system and how many allegations end in a conviction.
“I think it is a deeper issue than just football. In my opinion it just sums up the way justice is often not bought against sex offenders.”
Cocker says no matter what the outcome of Greenwood’s future at Old Trafford, she will “always support the club.”
However she hopes they explain their reasoning behind it to the fans when a decision is made on his future.
Manchester United were approached for comment.
