GARY Lineker has broken his silence on Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood decision, welcoming the end to an “untenable” situation.
The Match Of The Day presenter and ex-Three Lions captain spoke out, as it emerged United face losing millions letting Greenwood go.
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Gary Lineker says the Greenwood decision was ‘inevitable and right’Credit: Getty
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Greenwood’s Old Trafford departure could cost Manchester United millionsCredit: Getty
Former Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona star Lineker took to X, formerly called Twitter, to offer his thoughts on the Premier League club’s announcement Greenwood would be leaving.
The BBC host shared the club’s statement and added: “Inevitable and right decision on an untenable situation.”
United today announced they had come to a “collaborative decision” with the 21-year-old forward that he would be moving on.
But the club did not say whether his £75,000-a-week contract would be terminated or whether he would be put on loan or sold.
The Red Devils now face a scramble to get rid of Greenwood in just ten days or face losing millions.
If United haven’t sold or loaned him out by September 1 when football’s summer transfer window closes, they could have to pay him millions to cancel his contract which is due to expire in 2025.
They could only go beyond the deadline if Greenwood is picked up by a club in Saudi Arabia because their window closes on September 20.
Recent expensive new recruits to the Saudi league include former United colleague Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as France’s Karim Benzema after leaving Real Madrid and PSG’s Brazilian forward Neymar.
Greenwood hasn’t played for the first team since being arrested in January last year on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
All charges against him were dropped in February but the footballer remained suspended by United.
Members of Manchester United Women’s team reportedly raised concerns about Greenwood returning to the training ground.
Women’s charities have welcomed today’s decision and told of “relief” but say more must be done by football clubs.
The move was also tonight praised by Channel 4’s Countdown co-host and Strictly Come Dancing star Rachel Riley, who said last week she would stop supporting United if they allowed Greenwood back.
Posting on social media, she praised a Women’s Aid tweet as a “great statement” after the United announcement.
The charity had posted: “We know that the news from @ManUtd this afternoon, that Mason Greenwood will be moving on from the club, will be a relief.
“This case has brought back painful memories for many people.”
Greenwood’s last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham United, which United won 1-0.
He was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
But prosecutors withdrew the case on February 2 after his alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
United said today they had taken into account the “wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible”.
The club added: “Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material alleged 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.”
Greenwood also released a statement where he insisted he had not done what he was accused of but was “learning to understand my responsibilities as a professional footballer”.
He added: “I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me and I know people will think the worst.
“I was brought up to know that violence or abuse is wrong.
“I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges.
“However, I fully accept I made mistakes.”
He added: “I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.”
Bradford-born Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for United, having joined the club as a six-year-old.
He was given his England debut by manager Gareth Southgate as a late substitute against Iceland in September 2020, though has not played for the country since.
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Protests have been staged about United’s approach ahead of the Greenwood decisionCredit: Getty
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