Football fans have been left “disgusted” at the decision to include Mason Greenwood in Manchester United’s official 2022/23 squad list.
Supporters have been flocking to social media in their thousands to share their views following Manchester United‘s official announcement of their 25-man squad list for the current 2022/23 Premier League campaign – which includes the suspended Mason Greenwood.
The 20-year-old striker is named in the club’s list of Under-21 players eligible to play.
Greenwood is currently suspended by the Red Devils and has been placed on leave with pay as the result of a police investigation.
It comes after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed back in January that “a man in his 20s” had been arrested on suspicion of rape, assault, and a threat to kill after allegations were made a woman on social media.
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Greenwood remains on bail while the police investigation is ongoing.
ℹ️ Our 25-man squad list for the 2022/23 #PL campaign has been released.#MUFC
Once the news of the allegations broke on social media and GMP confirmed the arrest, Manchester United confirmed in a statement released at the time that Mason Greenwood would not return to training or play matches “until further notice”.
In the weeks following the arrest, Manchester United took the decision not to allow fans to purchase shirts with Greenwood and number 11 on the back from its official website, and have twice been forced to deny rumours that originated online that the player was set to return to First Team training.
Back in April, when questioned why Greenwood’s profile remains on the club’s website despite initially having been removed from their mobile app, a spokesperson for the club said “there has been no change whatsoever in Mason’s status”.
But United’s denial of Greenwood’s return seems to have only added to fans’ shock to see the player included in the 2022/23 squad list – even it isn’t for the senior team.
Outrage as Mason Greenwood is included in Manchester United’s official 2022/23 squad list / Credit: Manchester United
“Nope, you should not be registering Greenwood. Shame on you,” one person commented on Twitter.
Others have simply branded the decision “disgusting”.
Although opinion has been mixed, and many supporters and football commentators have pointed to contractual and legal obligations as potential reasoning as to why the player may have been included, Manchester United are yet to release a statement or comment on the squad list further.
Despite being named in the Under-21 2022/23 Premier League squad, Greenwood is, however, still not included in United’s Europa League squad for the current campaign.
Greenwood made his debut for the club in March 2019, and signed a four-year deal in February 2021 after rising through the ranks of the academy.
He last played for the club in a Premier League game against West Ham on 22 January.
Featured Image – Manchester United
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Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
There’s a farm in Greater Manchester where you can meet Lilo and Stitch
Thomas Melia
Any fans of the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch are in luck because there’s a farm in Greater Manchester which is hosting a special meet and greet event.
Who doesn’t love a sci-fi comedy drama film, especially one where the lead character’s sidekick is none other than the adorable little blue experiment with a voice we still imitate to this day?
Originally released in 2002, the Lilo and Stitch film is receiving a live-action version in 2025 and we’re sure to fall in love with Lilo and her little blue fur ball pal over again, 23 years later.
Ahead of the new live adaptation, Cockfields Farm in Greater Manchester is hosting a meet and greet event dedicated to this huge Disney film.
This is the perfect opportunity for little ones and grown-ups alike to come and meet two of their favourite Disney characters while also getting a chance to venture around the farmland as well.
As the event is taking place at a farm, this means that the Lilo and Stitch experience won’t be the only event guests will be able to take part in; there’s also a handful of fun farm-based activities to try your hand at too.
There are tractor rides, a giant bouncy pillow and a carousel running all throughout the day for any kids looking to let off some steam.
And those after a quieter and less energetic itinerary can head on over to the cuddling corner, feed meerkats and handle some reptiles too, this farm is catering for all.
With the meet and greet experience occurring during May, meaning more chance of that gorgeous sunshine, anyone attending is also advised to come dressed in their ‘Hawaiian best’.
Lilo and Stitch are coming for a special meet and greet at Cockfields Farm in Ashton-under-Lyne on 17 and 18 May, with tickets already live HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
14th September 2022 
