Rachel Riley: I won’t be able to support Manchester United if Mason Greenwood returns
Celebrity Manchester United supporter Rachel Riley insists she will no longer be able to support the club if and when they bring back Mason Greenwood. The 21-year-old has been suspended by his club for the last 18 months over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online.
Greenwood was facing charges including attempted rape and assault until the Crown Prosecution Service announced six months ago that the case had been discontinued. The forward has remained suspended by United throughout this period while the club conducts an internal investigation.
Reports earlier this week claimed the Premier League giants were ready to reintegrate the striker but the club have insisted that is not the case. The Athletic, however, revealed that CEO Richard Arnold planned to release a video to club staff and supporters detailing the reasoning behind his decision to reintegrate Greenwood a fortnight ago.
Rachel Riley’s stance on Mason Greenwood’s return
Greenwood’s comeback has subsequently been delayed and Countdown star Riley, a lifelong United fan who has worked for the club in the past, insists she will no longer be able to call herself a fan once the player’s return is confirmed.
‘I won’t be able to support United if Greenwood remains at the club,’ Riley said in a statement on social media. ‘We’ve all seen and heard enough. Pretending this is OK would be a huge part of the problem. It would be devastating for my club to contribute to a culture that brushes this under the carpet. I really hope they do the right thing.’
Riley is not alone in having voiced concerns over Greenwood’s potential comeback with a group of fans having protested outside Old Trafford ahead of Monday night’s Premier League opening game against Wolves.
Female Fans Against Greenwood’s Return
Female Fans Against Greenwood’s Return put out a lengthy statement to say Greenwood’s reintegration ‘tells us, as women, that we don’t matter’.
The ongoing saga has been an unwelcome distraction for Manchester United as they prepare for their first season under new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian will be hoping for a successful campaign as he looks to build on last season’s third-place finish in the Premier League.
Manchester United’s new season
The Red Devils have made some big signings over the summer, including Donny van de Beek from Ajax and Brazilian midfielder Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon. They have also been linked with moves for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho and Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin.
United will be hoping to challenge for the title this season, but they may have to do so without Mason Greenwood if Rachel Riley and other fans have their way. The saga is likely to rumble on until a decision is made by the club.
Conclusion
Rachel Riley has made it clear that she will no longer be able to support Manchester United if Mason Greenwood returns. The forward has been suspended by his club for 18 months while an internal investigation takes place, but reports suggest that he could be reintegrated soon. Female Fans Against Greenwood’s Return have also voiced their concerns over his potential return, saying it would send a message that women don’t matter.
The saga is likely to continue until a decision is made by Manchester United, but it is clear that many fans are not happy with the prospect of Greenwood returning. Only time will tell what the outcome of this saga will be.