Mason Greenwood’s brutal Cristiano Ronaldo criticism left Man Utd officials exasperated

Manchester United officials allegedly urged Mason Greenwood to tone down his language after he offered blistering criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was still at Real Madrid at the time.

The two would later become teammates at Old Trafford, albeit Ronaldo has since moved on and Greenwood is still on United’s suspension list. Greenwood will not return to United’s Carrington training complex or play in any games until the club conducts its own investigation after all criminal charges against him were dropped following his original arrest in January last year.

United’s first-team squad is thought to be divided on Greenwood’s probable return to the club after the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all criminal charges against him in February, including attempted rape, controlling and coercive behavior, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The charges were withdrawn due to “the withdrawal of crucial witnesses and additional material that came to light,” according to the CPS. Greenwood’s progress through Old Trafford’s youth ranks was seen negatively by the club, according to a report in The Athletic.

The forward was openly disparaging of future teammate Ronaldo, according to the report. When referring to Ronaldo’s perceived fall in playing status, Greenwood is claimed to have publicly stated “he’s dead.” This prompted United executives to order him to tone down his language, citing a comment they considered to show a lack of maturity on the part of the then-teenager.

Greenwood would go on to play alongside the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, but he is now fighting to salvage his career. The CPS announcement in February came after the footballer’s arrest last year.

“I am pleased this matter is now resolved,” the 21-year-old forward stated after the charges were dropped. I’d like to express my gratitude to my family, loved ones, and friends for their support.”

Greenwood’s future in the game was immediately called into question, as he had been suspended by United since the charges originally surfaced. “Manchester United notes the Crown Prosecution Service’s decision that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dismissed,” the club said in a statement.

“The club will now conduct its own investigation before deciding on the next moves.” We will not say further until that process is completed.”

Following last month’s developments, United manager Erik ten Hag did not comment on the player’s future at the club, saying, “I can’t contribute anything, I refer to the club’s statement.” There is no timetable for how long United’s inquiry might take or what kind of outcome it would produce.

Ten Hag claimed to have spoken to Greenwood for the first time after the charges were dropped, and the player was told that any decision about his future will be made by the club, not the management team.

Greenwood is under contract with Manchester United until the summer of 2025. He has 35 goals in 129 games for United since making his senior debut in the Champions League in March 2019, and he has one England cap.