Mason Greenwood | Please be respectful and stay on topic

[sglowrider]

Seemed to be playing on the right.

It's funny to see the Osasuna LB struggling to figure out which way he will go -- cut inside and cross with his left or go down the bye line and cross with his right.

Once he gets match fit, he will be able to run at the defenders.

 

[TsuWave]

They’re following and rooting for him because they want to track his potential transfer fee? How sad do you have to be?

In fairness, this is a football forum - largely for United fans - and I believe Greenwood isn't the only United loanee people track here. He's high profile due to the circumstances around his transfer and the fact that he was a first team regular/starter before he'd even turned 20 - which most loanees aren't. Interest will also be piqued because he's not played or even trained at this level for over a year and a half. The club has stated they don't expect him to put on the United shirt again - so he'll most likely end up being transferred after this loan - but I don't think it's "sad" for people to be curious about all this - considering he's generally agreed to be the best talent to come out of Carrington in two decades.

Plenty of sports people that committed crimes or found themselves in legal trouble have still retained a considerable following because sports fans are fascinated by talent. I think it would be reasonable to say that even some people that despise him will take a peek every now and then to "see what's still there"

 

[kaku06]

That's how I feel as well, though I would add that as long as his partner is happy then I'm satisfied. He's still one of our own and I genuinely want to see him rehabilitate.

Get ready to be lynched. They are coming for you.

 

[UnofficialDevil]

Seemed to be playing on the right.

He would play ahead of Antony on the wing every day of the week.

 

[Lash]

Let's be honest, the only reason any of you would actually watch a Getafe Osasuna match just to see him is because you want him back at United.

I admit, I tuned in when I knew he came on, but I don't personally want him back. I was genuinely intrigued to see how the crowd would react, does he still have the talent and where's his fitness after all this time off.

I do have a feeling it is inevitable he does come back though. Watching him today, if he gets up to playing 90 mins quickly, I think he'll be back in January.

If that does come to pass, it's going to make a difficult season, even more so for me.

 

[Rood]

Seemed to be playing on the right.

Just a cameo so can't read too much into it but he looks sharper than I expected for someone who has been out that long

 

[TrustInJanuzaj]

It’s still clear that the talent is here. If he tears it up it’s going to be genuinely so hard to watch. Still count that news two years ago as one of the darkest days as a Utd fan. He had the absolute world at his feet and could have led us to great success. What a royal shame. Still can’t help but want him to make the most of his talent though because it’s truly unique and special.

 

[sizzling sausages]

I admit, I tuned in when I knew he came on, but I don't personally want him back. I was genuinely intrigued to see how the crowd would react, does he still have the talent and where's his fitness after all this time off.

I do have a feeling it is inevitable he does come back though. Watching him today, if he gets up to playing 90 mins quickly, I think he'll be back in January.

If that does come to pass, it's going to make a difficult season, even more so for me.

I fully expect him back in the squad next year. I think January will be too soon but do think he'll come back next summer.

I've already gradually stopped watching United more and more to the point where I've only watched 2 matches this season and don't feel like I've missed out on anything. This whole situation and the general clear lack of morals at the club has already sped up that process of not watching and him coming back will just speed it up even more.

 

[Glorio]

So he's still earning thousands and not actually condemned for life. Phew.

You know the word "condemn" means more than someone is in prison right? Right?

 

[Alemar]

It was a lively cameo. What is interesting is that now, he is focused on making a pass (previously, he was trying to shoot from many of these situations). But maybe it’s just the first game after such a long break

 

[afrocentricity]

Let's be honest, the only reason any of you would actually watch a Getafe Osasuna match just to see him is because you want him back at United.

Why do you guys do this? Your supposed to be staff do you not think this posting style is inflammatory or do we not care anymore as long as it follows the narrative? Redcafes current energy is so toxic and unpleasant...

Just posters shouting at eachother, and antagonising one another

 

[Stack]

Let's be honest, the only reason any of you would actually watch a Getafe Osasuna match just to see him is because you want him back at United.

I wanted him to leave, think ultimately this is the right path. I also would love this to end up being a story of redemption where we see him turn things around, be one of the few that break the domestic abuse cycle and be a great husband and father.
I watched because I want to see him overcome his demons and succeed.
If he does turn things around and successfully make change in his life then I wouldnt be against him returning to us one day.
The stats arent great on this but I would love to see him go against the grain of DA stats

 

[NotThatSoph]

Not in this country with cancel culture. People who are considered "influencers" online, can use these incidents as platform to gain attention for offering their views.

The more difficult and longer term route to take is to understand why these incidents occur and how to change term. In other words getting to the root of the problem.

Yeah, cancel culture is going after Russell Brand now.

 

[sizzling sausages]

Why do you guys do this? Your supposed to be staff do you not think this posting style is inflammatory or do we not care anymore as long as it follows the narrative? Redcafes current energy is so toxic and unpleasant...

Just posters shouting at eachother, and antagonising one another

What's inflammatory or antagonistic about my post? He posted a list of options of why someone would watch him at Getafe, I stated which is the only one I think is likely.

Although Lash made a good point about watching him to see the reaction to his return.

 

[AnotherLondonManc]

Let's be honest, the only reason any of you would actually watch a Getafe Osasuna match just to see him is because you want him back at United.

Assuming you're not being tongue in cheek, this is just a deeply ignorant position to take.

There are plenty of reasons for us to be interested in his performances, and none of them have to have anything to do with wanting him to play here again.

 

[afrocentricity]

What's inflammatory or antagonistic about my post? He posted a list of options of why someone would watch him at Getafe, I stated which is the only one I think is likely.

Although Lash made a good point about watching him to see the reaction to his return.

You made a lazy generalisation questioning motives, I think it gets in the way, and doesn't help.... anything?

Unless all you want is to get it off and wind people up. Anyway, as pointed out there are several reasons a poster may still have interest in this matter.

Imo the performance thread should be reopened...

 

[sizzling sausages]

I wanted him to leave, think ultimately this is the right path. I also would love this to end up being a story of redemption where we see him turn things around, be one of the few that break the domestic abuse cycle and be a great husband and father.
I watched because I want to see him overcome his demons and succeed.
If he does turn things around and successfully make change in his life then I wouldnt be against him returning to us one day.
The stats arent great on this but I would love to see him go against the grain of DA stats

This is fair. I'd love to think he can change and turn his life around.

Although with the stories that were already out before him, he doesn't seem to be one that learns from his mistakes. Or at least wasn't at the time.

I still personally wouldn't want him back though. Not with how the case was dropped after he broke bail conditions. It just doesn't sit right with me that he could do such a thing and then come back to play for the biggest club in the country without being punished for what happened. Having to stop playing football for 18 months while still getting paid thousands a week isn't punishment in my opinion.

Assuming you're not being tongue in cheek, this is just a deeply ignorant position to take.

There are plenty of reasons for us to be interested in his performances, and none of them have to have anything to do with wanting him to play here again.

Lash has already pointed one out to me that I didn't think of, what are the other reasons you'd watch if you don't want him back?

You made a lazy generalisation questioning motives, I think it gets in the way, and doesn't help.... anything?

Unless all you want is to get it off and wind people up. Anyway, as pointed out there are several reasons a poster may still have interest in this matter.

Imo the performance thread should be reopened...

I'm not trying to wind anyone up and I wasn't attacking peoples motives. I don't really care if people want him back. Me and you are clearly on opposite sides of this debate but i don't think we've ever interacted in this thread before, as I think your view is fairly reasonable, if not a bit disingenuous. It's only the ones who are defending him so keenly and making up scenarios that nobody closely involved has ever even suggested that I take issue with.

 

[Bwuk]

It’s clear the talent is still there. If he was here and match fit he’d be our best forward.

 

[Artorias]

Still better than Antony in the right wing. Let's hope he gains match fitness and get his career back.

 

[Rood]

How sad does one have to be indeed to pretend that people can not:

A) be interested in whether he still has the talent he has after two years whether he stays at united or not

or

B) curious to see whether we would be able to get a large fee for him

or

C) feel that he should be given a chance at united after the loan

or

D) any other reason they want to follow his progress at Getafe.

We get it, you don't like him, he should never be allowed to play at united, better yet never play football again etc etc

This is why a loan performance thread should be opened so those who want to genuinely follow how he does can do so and those who want to moan about them can do so in another thread.

Totally agree - there are clearly many reasons to take an interest.

After all this is a Manchester United Forum and he is still a Manchester United player.
I'm sure the majority of posters here will take some level of interest in how he is getting on, it's only natural.

At the moment my main motivation is (A) as I'm genuinely interested to see what kind of mental/physical state he is in after 18months out the game.

BTW anyone can start a Loan Watch thread, feel free to do so, although Im not sure if it would avoid the same boring discussion anyway.

 

[afrocentricity]

I'm not trying to wind anyone up and I wasn't attacking peoples motives. I don't really care if people want him back. Me and you are clearly on opposite sides of this debate but i don't think we've ever interacted in this thread before, as I think your view is fairly reasonable, if not a bit disingenuous. It's only the ones who are defending him so keenly and making up scenarios that nobody closely involved has ever even suggested that I take issue with.

Again with this? Which of my views is disingenuous? Or better, what about them is disingenuous?

Just because you don't understand them, doesn't make them underhand... everything has been argued to death so personally, I'm going to leave it there as I have made my point.

 

[TsuWave]

They’re tracking it because they are bigger fans of Greenwood than they are supporters of the club. Most football fans these days are Player FC if you haven’t noticed. Stating the facts whilst we’re here, alot of them are clearly apologists of abuse and probably are up to dodgy things in their personal lives too

That's such a wild take.

I agree, he’s done nothing but you sure? Check your modern day football fan, a lot of them support players more than clubs now, Ronaldo FC, Martial FC

You shouldn't take internet humor so close to heart/at face value. Martial FC was an import from twitter to this forum, and it was mostly banter. People will take to technically gifted players and Martial used to have something in him - many also liked him because when we bought him so much was made of his fee, and he went on to have a very good first season (hence his song). "the modern day football fan", generally speaking, from personal experience, doesn't support players more than clubs - I mean Ronaldo left and hardly anyone batted an eyelid - they just have more access to players and jokes are hypervisible due to social media. Obviously, players perceived as gifted/special will be given more leeway/patience, but that's how it's always been.

 

[kaku06]

I fully expect him back in the squad next year. I think January will be too soon but do think he'll come back next summer.

I've already gradually stopped watching United more and more to the point where I've only watched 2 matches this season and don't feel like I've missed out on anything. This whole situation and the general clear lack of morals at the club has already sped up that process of not watching and him coming back will just speed it up even more.

I appreciate and respect your stance and to be honest, understand it given the way you feel about everything around the club right now.

I’m just gonna say what I feel. Regarding Greenwood, everyone including myself were disgusted by what he did but now after 1.5 years I want him to rehabilitate and want him to genuinely move forward in his life with his partner and the baby. I’m not gonna hide behind the fact he’s innocent just because the case was dropped. He still did those things context or not full evidence or not. But at the same time I fully believe in rehabilitation of young people doing awful stuff. I know it’s not important to some posters but to me personally, him being with his partner and them two having a baby together is important to me.

People here think she might be suffering from Stockholm syndrome or she might be with him for fame and money. I don’t tend to think that way and of the other opinion that both the families involved are happy to move forward in life. For sure, we can’t excuse his actions and we can’t change the past but we can change the future by giving him another opportunity to succeed without declaring him an abuser for life. He already would carry that tag and shame forever.

Life teaches us lessons at different points. God knows how many stupid things I did (not to the extent of Greenwood) in my teenage years which I thoroughly regret. Maybe he also regrets everything now and just maybe that has changed him as a person forever which also made him to stick with his partner and start a family with her. I can’t prove it only time will tell and for that I’m willing to give him a chance. I haven’t forgotten anything but I’m willing to forgive for now not only for his sake but for the mother and child’s sake too.

 

[GledTheRed]

Jesus, the hyperbole in here.

Go on..

 

[sizzling sausages]

I appreciate and respect your stance and to be honest, understand it given the way you feel about everything around the club right now.

I’m just gonna say what I feel. Regarding Greenwood, everyone including myself were disgusted by what he did but now after 1.5 years I want him to rehabilitate and want him to genuinely move forward in his life with his partner and the baby. I’m not gonna hide behind the fact he’s innocent just because the case was dropped. He still did those things context or not full evidence or not. But at the same time I fully believe in rehabilitation of young people doing awful stuff. I know it’s not important to some posters but to me personally, him being with his partner and them two having a baby together is important to me.

People here think she might be suffering from Stockholm syndrome or she might be with him for fame and money. I don’t tend to think that way and of the other opinion that both the families involved are happy to move forward in life. For sure, we can’t excuse his actions and we can’t change the past but we can change the future by giving him another opportunity to succeed without declaring him an abuser for life. He already would carry that tag and shame forever.

Life teaches us lessons at different points. God knows how many stupid things I did (not to the extent of Greenwood) in my teenage years which I thoroughly regret. Maybe he also regrets everything now and just maybe that has changed him as a person forever which also made him to stick with his partner and start a family with her. I can’t prove it only time will tell and for that I’m willing to give him a chance. I haven’t forgotten anything but I’m willing to forgive for now not only for his sake but for the mother and child’s sake too.

Good post and I hope you're right about him regretting what happened and now wanting to make up for it.

 

[Wing Attack Plan R]

Are we ever getting the explanation for why what we saw and heard is not exactly what we saw and heard? The internal investigation “cleared” him, so why don’t they release that information? It seems simple on paper: if he did it, he should be charged with a crime; if he didn’t do it, there’s no reason to keep him away.

Personally I think his partner was caught in the classic abuse trap, he made promises, and she believed those promises and declined to participate in the police investigation. We are kinda taking her side in this, defending her and not excusing the purported abuse, but if she’s a big girl and decides her own fate, why are we second guessing?

 

[Raoul]

It was a lively cameo. What is interesting is that now, he is focused on making a pass (previously, he was trying to shoot from many of these situations). But maybe it’s just the first game after such a long break

He seemed pretty lively based on the few minutes he was given. Definitely already match fit and will probably start soon. Not bad at all following 19 months off.

 

[Yagami]

He would play ahead of Antony on the wing every day of the week.

Definitely. This is why - before all the drama - I thought we had our RW sorted back when people were dreaming of Sancho playing there resulting in Mason being moved centrally.

At his best, there weren't many options better than him on the market, and, if he gets back to that level or better, he'd still be our best option.

 

[bosnian_red]

“AMAZING”

Jesus wept. The madness around him is going to be so incredibly tiresome, isn’t it?

Gotta love youtube titles and comments... just wait for the "10 moves from greenwood that shocked the world" titles.

 

[marktan]

We definitely need a separate thread for his performances and one for all the off field stuff. Reading a mixing the two after every performances is going to be maddening.

 

[fallengt]

Let's be honest, the only reason any of you would actually watch a Getafe Osasuna match just to see him is because you want him back at United.

Tbf same reverse logic could apply here
Only reason some folks watch this thread because they want the absolute worst for him and cant move on until then.

Otherwise why not just put it on ignorelist ? Save energy for other things.

In reality, hes a local , high profile one. He isn't getting ignored wherever people's stand on the matter is

 

[Marcus]

Are we ever getting the explanation for why what we saw and heard is not exactly what we saw and heard? The internal investigation “cleared” him, so why don’t they release that information? It seems simple on paper: if he did it, he should be charged with a crime; if he didn’t do it, there’s no reason to keep him away.

Personally I think his partner was caught in the classic abuse trap, he made promises, and she believed those promises and declined to participate in the police investigation. We are kinda taking her side in this, defending her and not excusing the purported abuse, but if she’s a big girl and decides her own fate, why are we second guessing?

Agree with what you said above as a possibility.

One reason not to release the internal investigation is that it may cast the partner in bad light or subject her to police investigations herself. Is that not a good reason to not say anything?

I did catch the Getafe game as I was channel surfing to catch the F1 Singapore Grand Prix. I thought Greenwood seemed to not be off the pace.

 

[sglowrider]

He seemed pretty lively based on the few minutes he was given. Definitely already match fit and will probably start soon. Not bad at all following 19 months off.

I don't think he is that close to being match fit never mind, match sharp.

There were opportunities in the Osasuna match when if he was at his peak United fitness/sharpness he would have caused separation & space between the defenders. He didn't quite have it; sharpness of touch, quickness of turns or that burst of speed. Will be another month at least. The international break definitely helped accelerate things though.

Plus Getafe plays a very narrow system. He has to learn how to play more in the middle of the park. He was doing the Bruno-drift but marking space instead.

All of which is good for him in the long run.

 

[RedRonaldo]

Not going to defend for what he has done in the past for that incidence, but he has been suffering for 1.5 years of public scrutiny and condemnation since, and some part of his freedom of life has been taken away from him since his arrested and released from bail, and his 1.5 year of suspension at the club too. I am not going to judge whether this level of “punishment” has been fully justified because we simply don’t have full picture of the whole incidence there.

But at some point I think everyone just need to move on instead of holding grudges on him forever, especially considering the fact that his partner has already forgiven him and seems to be happily married to him for now (we don’t know whether it’s an one off moment or long term issues).

But sure, people can still hate him forever. But as long as his partner is happy with him, I wouldn’t hold grudges on him forever, and football wise I would like to see him perform his best in football field.

 

[sglowrider]

Not going to defend for what he has done in the past for that incidence, but he has been suffering for 1.5 years of public scrutiny and condemnation since, and some part of his freedom of life has been taken away from him since his arrested and released from bail, and his 1.5 year of suspension at the club too. I am not going to judge whether this level of “punishment” has been fully justified because we simply don’t have full picture of the whole incidence there.

But at some point I think everyone just need to move on instead of holding grudges on him forever, especially considering the fact that his partner has already forgiven him and seems to be happily married to him for now (we don’t know whether it’s an one off moment or long term issues).

But sure, people can still hate him forever. But as long as his partner is happy with him, I wouldn’t hold grudges on him forever, and football wise I would like to see him perform his best in football field.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[Wumminator]

Can’t wait till the prick fecks off forever and I don’t have to hear wank posts about how harshly he has been treated for 1.5 years.

 

[Strelok]

It's funny to see the Osasuna LB struggling to figure out which way he will go -- cut inside and cross with his left or go down the bye line and cross with his right.

Once he gets match fit, he will be able to run at the defenders.

That's what special about a natural two footed player. It's a nightmare for defenders since you couldn't guess what side he'd take you on or what he'd do. With someone who is quick and so good at shooting with an excellent hip and a tiny backlift like him it's even much much harder. I still remember after his first season teams started to double/triple down on him and go very hard on him whenever he's near the ball.

I didn't watch the match but based on the short highlights imo he looked surprisingly sharp for someone who hasn't played any competitive football for 18 months. It seems he still has it imo.

 

[sglowrider]

That's what special about a natural two footed player. It's a nightmare for defenders since you couldn't guess what side he'd take you on or what he'd do. With someone who is quick and so good at shooting with an excellent hip and a tiny backlift like him it's even much much harder. I still remember after his first season teams started to double/triple down on him and go very hard on him whenever he's near the ball.

I didn't watch the match but based on the short highlights imo he looked surprisingly sharp for someone who hasn't played any competitive football for 18 months. It seems he still has it imo.

Watched the match. Getefe changed their approach when benefitted greenwood when he came on. But still a bit narrow for his style of play
But I also can see he has a ways to go to get back his fitness/sharpness/first touch to enable to create seperation to get his low backlit shots off.
But he's genetically blessed. So it will be a matter of time.

 

[MancunianAngels]

It’s not insane at all, in 2021 both would’ve bitten your hand off for him, he’s an incredible talent.

If he find his form in Spain he’ll be on the radar for many top clubs as he’ll still have a knock down price.

He is/was an incredible talent but nowhere near the level for Madrid to have even considered making a move for him back then.

Given everything that has gone on since, he'll be nowhere near the minds of any big clubs for a while yet.

Even if he does well at Getafe, he'll probably need a move to a Sevilla/Valencia type club and have at least 18 months of consistently good performances there before Madrid/Barca come calling for him with a serious bid. That's also assuming he stays out of trouble.

Players with more potential than him have failed to reach the top. Its not just about talent.

 

[TrustInJanuzaj]

He is/was an incredible talent but nowhere near the level for Madrid to have even considered making a move for him back then.

Given everything that has gone on since, he'll be nowhere near the minds of any big clubs for a while yet.

Even if he does well at Getafe, he'll probably need a move to a Sevilla/Valencia type club and have at least 18 months of consistently good performances there before Madrid/Barca come calling for him with a serious bid. That's also assuming he stays out of trouble.

Players with more potential than him have failed to reach the top. Its not just about talent.

Think it’s clear you are underrating his talent to be honest.