Mason Greenwood Makes Getafe Debut In 3-2 Win Over Osasuna 20 Months After Last Man United Game
Mason Greenwood returned to the soccer field after 20 months on Sunday when he made his Getafe debut as a substitute in a 3-2 win over Osasuna in La Liga.
The 21-year-old entered the action in the 77th minute when the score was tied at 2-2.
He showed flashes of the ability that had previously seen him rated as one of Manchester United's most talented young players.
A trademark stepover and shot from Greenwood resulted in Getafe winning the corner kick from which Nemanja Maksimovic headed in an 86th-minute winner.
Greenwood celebrated Getafe's winning goal by joining his new teammates in a huddle by the side of the pitch.
Mason Greenwood pictured celebrating with his Getafe teammates during a 3-2 win over Osasuna on his La Liga debut
IMAGO/NurPhoto/Alvaro Medranda
"I guess it has been a very special day for him," Getafe coach Jose Bordelas said of Greenwood after the game.
"It will give him great satisfaction to feel like a footballer again because to be a footballer is to play and to compete."
Greenwood was cheered loudly by the vast majority of the home supporters at Getafe's Estadio Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
But a section of Osasuna fans were heard chanting "Greenwood die" in the away end.
This was Greenwood's first game of football since January 22 in 2022 when he featured in Manchester United's 1-0 win over West Ham.
Greenwood was arrested later that month.
He would later be charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling behavior, and assault, but all charges against him were dropped on February 2 earlier this year.
Despite no longer facing any criminal charges, Greenwood was still the subject of a club investigation, which eventually concluded in August after six months.
Greenwood had not played a game of soccer since featuring in Manchester United's 1-0 win over West Ham in January 2022
IMAGO/PA Images/Zac Goodwin
United said following the club investigation: "Manchester United has concluded its internal investigation into the allegations made against Mason Greenwood.
"Our process commenced in February 2023, following all charges against Mason being dropped. Throughout, we have taken into account the wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club's standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible.
"This has required us to proceed with sensitivity and care to obtain evidence not in the public domain, including from those with direct knowledge of the case.
"Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged. That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.
"All those involved, including Mason, recognize the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United. It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome."
Greenwood joined Getafe on a season-long loan deal on September 1.
It is understood that United will pay the majority of his £75,000-a-week wages throughout his time in Spain, with Getafe contributing a modest percentage.
Greenwood is still under contract with United until June 2025 but it is highly unlikely that he will ever play for the Old Trafford club again.
Greenwood is set to remain at Getafe until the end of the season
IMAGO/Pressinphoto/Cesar Cebolla
