Mason Greenwood should QUIT Man Utd to get his career back on track, Wayne Rooney says
MASON Greenwood should quit Man Utd to get his career back on track, Wayne Rooney says.
The striker, 21, has not played since January last year when he was arrested after allegations of physical and sexual abuse.
Greenwood is still suspended by United, despite charges including attempted rape being dropped against him.
The 21-year-old was recently pictured at a private training session with teammate Anthony Elanga but it was last night revealed there were fears his career was “in tatters”.
Rooney has now said he thinks Greenwood should walk away from the club to try to salvage his future in football.
The Manchester United legend, who is in charge of DC United, told The Athletic: “It leaves Mason Greenwood in a position where he is stuck.
“So for Mason, it’s a bad position to be in because I’m sure he just wants to play football.
“But for the club, its image and ensuring they make the right decisions, it’s almost a catch 22.
“I think the best thing for Mason now is to get out of the club and go and develop somewhere else.”
Rooney added that he thought the 21-year-old needed to get back on the field as it had been a long time since he played.
He continued: “With everything that has happened and how long the internal investigation has taken, it’s probably got to a place now where Mason just needs to go and play and to try and get his career back on track.
“It’s a difficult position for Mason but for the club as well. You have to make sure you get to the right decision before moving forward and it looks like they’re really struggling to get to that place.”
It was last night revealed by The Athletic that Greenwood is not in the squad for the club’s pre-season tour.
It came after Greenwood was reportedly being used as a pawn by Man United to net a striker rumoured to be worth £50m.
Serie A club Atalanta are interested in signing the forward on loan, according to Manchester Evening News.
Manchester United football director John Murtough has reportedly held talks with the Italian side as part of a deal to sign Rasmus Hojlund.
The Danish striker scored nine goals in 32 games last season and is one of United’s targets this summer.
The Red Devils believe they can net 20-year-old Hojlund for around £50 million, the Telegraph reported.
But sources close to Atalanta played down the prospect of a move for Greenwood – with Manchester United not proactively exploring other loan options, The Athletic reports.
Greenwood has not played since January last year when he was arrested after a woman made allegations against him on social media.
He was due to stand trial in November accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
The charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.