Former Manchester United forward, Mason Greenwood, finds himself in a precarious position as he seeks to rebuild his football career. A past comment about Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football's most influential figures, might be a stumbling block in his path to securing a lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia.
Greenwood's departure from Manchester United came after the club conducted an internal investigation into charges of rape, assault, and coercive behavior against him. Although the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges in February 2023 due to key witnesses retracting their statements, Manchester United chose to sever ties with the player. Initial speculations hinted at a possible reinstatement of the 21-year-old forward, but the club decided otherwise, albeit committing to support Greenwood's efforts to rebuild his career.
While Greenwood's preference is to remain in England, the potential public relations implications of his recent past have deterred many clubs from expressing interest. The most viable option for him seemed to be a move to the Saudi Pro League, with rumors suggesting that a significant offer was in the offing. However, a past remark by Greenwood about Cristiano Ronaldo might jeopardize this opportunity.
The comment in question dates back to when Ronaldo was with Real Madrid. Greenwood had described Ronaldo's career as "dead" before the Portuguese maestro's move to Juventus and subsequent return to Manchester United. Greenwood's apprehensions about Ronaldo's return to United were primarily due to the anticipated reduction in his own playing time. However, his own actions, including an 18-month suspension following his arrest in January 2022, ensured his sidelining, irrespective of Ronaldo's presence.
Ronaldo's influence in Saudi Arabia is profound, especially after his high-profile move to Al-Nassr in January, which was sealed with a staggering £350 million deal. This transfer has significantly elevated the stature of the Saudi Pro League, attracting several European football stars. Sources suggest that Ronaldo was deeply upset by Greenwood's remarks and given his stature in Saudi Arabia, he could potentially influence clubs' decisions regarding player acquisitions.
Saudi Arabia, already under scrutiny for alleged human rights violations, might view signing Greenwood as a potential PR debacle. Reports indicate that a senior figure in the Saudi Pro League expressed skepticism about any club's interest in the former England international.
Greenwood's options seem to be narrowing. Even a move to the MLS might be fraught with challenges, given the U.S.'s emphasis on women's rights and inclusivity. While Greenwood maintains that he has been cleared of all charges, critics argue that the charges were dropped due to witness non-cooperation, not acquittal.
In related news, Liverpool legend and current manager of Saudi club Al-Ettifaq, Steven Gerrard, has refuted claims of his interest in signing Greenwood, labeling such reports as "fake news."
