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.
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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Harry Kane tears up as he honours England’s first Muslim player
Danny Jones
Three Lions skipper Harry Kane teared up as he honoured Djed Spence with an emotional speech on his England debut, becoming the first Muslim player ever to represent the senior national team.
Another historic night for sport in this country.
In case you didn’t tune in, the result against Serbia was a thrilling 5-0 victory, which saw Thomas Tuchel’s side maintain their unbeaten run, with a five-star performance serving as the perfect way to mark five wins from as many fixtures.
But, again, the headline story of the night was Djed Spence celebrating his faith in the best way possible – not to mention England captain Harry Kane paying sincere tribute to the history-making 25-year-old:
Pretty much everything you see of Harry Kane points towards him being a genuinely sound bloke. He could have just passed that cap over to Djed Spence with empty platitudes but you can tell he really cares.
As you can see, sharing some heartfelt and inspirational words as a former Lilywhite himself, ‘King’ Kane – who was first given the armband back in 2018 ahead of the Euros – spoke highly of the Tottenham Hotspur star following his inaugural national team cap.
Confessing that he himself felt emotional speaking on behalf of Spence, the 32-year-old striker recalled first seeing the wing-back arrive at Spurs just a few short years ago before his eventual departure for Bayern Munich in 2023.
He also shared, “I know what it takes to get here”, and saw what it took on his end to make those same steps forward in his career and ultimately break into the England squad, adding, “credit to you and your family – you deserve this, mate.”
As for the former Nottingham Forest defender himself, writing on social media, Spence said: “Today is arguably the greatest and proudest day of my life. Honoured to make my England debut.
“A day I’ve dreamt of all my life and now has become a reality. GOD IS THE GREATEST! #GODSPEED“
While there have been many individuals from the Islamic faith throughout the footballing pyramid and, indeed, the FA‘s national team youth ranks over the years, Djed Spence becoming the first senior capped Muslim player in our country’s history is nothing short of an incredible milestone.
Speaking to the media after the game, which also saw Harry Kane surpass Sir Bobby Moore as England’s fifth-most capped player of all-time (now on 109), the London-born athlete admitted: “I was surprised because I didn’t know I was the first, so it’s a blessing.
“It’s good to make history and hopefully inspire young kids around the world that they can make it as well. They can do what I am doing.”
Here’s hoping he can fly the flag for British Muslims throughout domestic football and help generate further impact on the sporting world beyond that.
‘Inspirational’ PR firm founder named as woman killed by falling tree branch in Didsbury
Emily Sergeant
A woman who was sadly killed by a falling tree branch in Didsbury a couple of weekends back has now been named locally.
It comes after officers from Greater Manchester Police were called out to Barlow Moor Road, at the junction with Stanton Avenue in West Didsbury, on Saturday 30 August 30, and when they arrived on the scene, they found that a woman tragically died – all despite the best efforts of emergency services involved.
Manchester Coroners’ Court has confirmed a file relating to the woman’s death has been received.
She has now been named as 49-year-old Jennifer Higgins, who was known as Jen professionally and to friends and family.
Jen was the founder and joint managing director of respected Manchester-based PR firm, Carousel PR, which she launched back in 2011 and ran alongside her husband Gawen Higgins, leading a team of more than 20 staff.
Barlow Moor Road, near the junction with Stanton Avenue, where the tragic incident occurred / Credit: Google Maps
Carousel has worked with countless major local, national, and international clients over the years, and is well-known within Manchester.
In a statement and tribute to her passing, Jen’s family said: “The family of Jen Higgins are heartbroken to confirm she lost her life in a sudden and tragic accident. She was a beloved wife, daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, and aunt – a vibrant and supportive friend to many, and a dynamic and widely respected member of the Manchester business community.
“You will no doubt empathise with the deep and profound shock we are feeling at this moment and ask for privacy while we grieve.”
The family also indicated that a further statement will be issued when they ‘feel able’ to do so.
Jen is described in her biography on the Carousel PR website as a ‘multi-tasker extraordinaire with an enviable contact list’, as well as being a fan of live music and travel – a passion which she was lucky enough to be able to bring into Carousel.
An inquest into Jen’s death is due to open at Manchester Coroners’ Court on 23 September.
Emily Sergeant -
14th September 2022 
