Last updated on October 3rd, 2023 at 11:17 pm

In a bid to rejuvenate his career amidst controversy, Mason Greenwood, the beleaguered Manchester United player, has embarked on a season-long loan journey to Spain, where he will join La Liga outfit Getafe.

The transfer was officially announced on the last moments of Transfer Deadline Day, September 1st. Speculation had been rampant regarding the next destination for the 21-year-old Greenwood.

Manchester United issued a statement, confirming, “Mason Greenwood has signed a season-long loan deal with La Liga side Getafe CF, pending international clearance.”

This move offers Greenwood the opportunity to rebuild his professional path away from Manchester United. The news of his transfer prompted jubilant celebrations among fans of the Spanish club, with some gathering outside the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez stadium, chanting and dancing in exuberance.

The decision for Greenwood to part ways with Manchester United had been settled in late August. This came following his arrest in January 2022 on charges of attempted rape and sexual assault, leading to a six-month club investigation. Charges against the striker, initially leveled in October 2022, were ultimately dropped in February.

Nevertheless, rumors of Greenwood’s potential return to the Manchester United squad sparked public outrage. In response, the club clarified that he would not be making a comeback at Old Trafford. The club’s statement read, “All parties involved, including Mason, acknowledge the challenges of his resuming his career at Manchester United. It has thus been mutually agreed that his best course of action is to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will support Mason in achieving this goal.”

The statement continued, “Based on the available evidence, we have determined that the online materials did not present the complete picture, and Mason did not commit the offenses for which he was initially charged. However, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes for which he takes responsibility.”

Greenwood himself addressed the situation, stating, “I was raised with the understanding that violence or abuse is wrong, and I did not engage in the actions I was accused of. Nevertheless, I fully acknowledge that I have made errors, and I bear my share of responsibility for the circumstances that led to the social media post.”

He added, “I am learning to grasp my responsibilities and set a positive example as a professional footballer. My focus is on the significant responsibility of being a father and a supportive partner.”

Richard Arnold, the club’s CEO, elaborated on the decision in an open letter to fans, noting, “While I am satisfied that Mason did not commit the alleged acts, he has acknowledged and accepted responsibility for his mistakes.”

Arnold also considered the challenges facing Greenwood as he strives to rebuild his career while juggling fatherhood and a committed partnership in the intense spotlight of Manchester United. He expressed the club’s commitment to minimizing distractions and fostering unity.

Rumors of Greenwood’s potential return to the squad had swirled before these statements, drawing criticism from notable figures like Gary Neville and Rachel Riley. Neville, who boasts 602 appearances for the club, asserted, “It was evident from the outset that he would not wear the Manchester United jersey again. In moments as significant and challenging as this, strong and authoritative leadership is imperative, starting from the highest echelons of the club. Manchester United appears to be lacking in that regard.”