Female Man United supporters admit relief after 'grim' Mason Greenwood saga ended with £30m move to Marseille - but group believe need for revenue and PR played key role in exit

A Manchester United supporters' group that furiously protested against Mason Greenwood's return have expressed relief after he sealed a £30million move to Marseille - but believe the sale was partly driven by a desire for good PR.

Greenwood, 22, brought a permanent end to a protracted saga at Old Trafford after touching down in France to undergo a medical and put pen to paper on his contract.

He had not played for United since being arrested in January 2022.

The forward was then charged with attempted rape, assault occasioning bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour nine months later. The charges and case were dropped in February 2023, however, after key witnesses withdrew. 

Greenwood has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

United made the controversial decision to reintegrate Greenwood last summer but performed a U-turn after a backlash from supporters and charities. The club then declared 'it would be most appropriate' for him to continue his career elsewhere.

Female Fans Against Greenwood's Return (FFAGR) were at the forefront of the protests and shortly after Greenwood's exit, they released a statement welcoming the news. They believe, however, that the move was not solely for 'moral reasons'.

'Tonight's announcement comes with mixed emotions,' a statement read. 'Relief that this grim period in our history is over, and that survivors of abuse won't have to face a reminder of their darkest experiences while watching Manchester United play.

'Sadness at seeing a generational talent who could have achieved so much at the club lost because his moral fortitude off the pitch didn't match his talent on it. 

'Concern for what happens next to someone who horrific experiences came to light in the public eye. 

'Hope that this whole sorry episode might spark some sort of change, and make young players realise that you can have all the talent in the world, but ultimately it's your humanity and compassion, or lack of it, that will make or break your success.'  

The group then added: 'We're not naive enough to think about moving this player on was done purely for moral reasons.

'The need for revenue and the desire for positive PR from a leadership looking to get figures on board for stadium redevelopment has probably played a major part.'

Taking aim at United's former hierarchy, they concluded with: 'But it feels a long way away from the shambolic incompetency of last summer, when fans played a hand in a rethink and a U-turn from weak, poorly organised, out of touch management.'

Greenwood's move to Ligue 1 has drawn fierce protests from supporters and the mayor of Marseille, Benoit Payan, has branded the player 'a disgrace'.

Hundreds had gathered to greet Greenwood after he touched down in France on Wednesday evening but the fanbase appears split - with both #GreenwoodNotWelcome and #GreenwoodWelcome trending on X.

Mail Sport has contacted Manchester United for comment.