Mason Greenwood decision will define Richard Arnold at Man Utd – Analysis by Jack Otway
Man Utd chief Richard Arnold is reportedly willing to be the face of Mason Greenwood's return
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When approached by angry fans at a pub last year, Manchester United chief Richard Arnold was transparent.
He sat down with those in attendance and explained why the club hadn't signed Frenkie de Jong, admitted they'd blown through money and that the club were planning for brighter and better days ahead.
Arnold gave the air of a man who wanted to be better than his predecessor, Ed Woodward, who toiled during his time in power at the club.
While United were disappointed details of his meeting were leaked, the 52-year-old's PR went through the roof. Given Woodward had overseen the club's decline, that was a positive.
Man Utd striker Mason Greenwood had charges dropped against him back in February
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Fast-forward to now, however, and Arnold is set to make the biggest decision of his time at United to date.
Mason Greenwood is, according to reports, set to return to the fold. The 21-year-old was arrested for attempted rape and assault in January 2022, with those charges later dropped in February of this year.
Greenwood, the footballer, is a talent. A superstar in the making, or at least he once was.
Yet while he has not been found guilty of any crime in a court of law, his reputation has now been tarnished.
United could suffer a similar backlash, it seems.
The club stress they have done their due dilligence and, six months after Greenwood was entitled to play football again, that's something worth stressing.
So, too, is that United have obtained evidence not in the public domain.
But this is a decision that will split the fanbase, more than any other manager, signing or owner in the club's glorious past.
Arnold, it has been said, brief United staff members to prepare for Greenwood's return at the start of the month.
Since then there has been a delay, with the club yet to announce their final decision - even if all signs point to a return.
United supporters often bicker on social media over pretty much every topic at the club. Some didn't even want Arnold to be named as Woodward's replacement.
But it's nothing compared to what will happen if the striker returns to Carrington and wears the club's colours once again.
As soon as it became clear Greenwood looked set be retained, and given a chance to prove himself to manager Erik ten Hag, the word 'disgusting' started trending on social media.
There has been talk of 'rehabilitation' for the 21-year-old, who has made 129 appearances for United during his short career so far.
Arnold is willing to be the face of Greenwood's return and is prepared to speak in a video that will be broadcasted firstly to staff, then to the general public.
Therefore, it's something that will define the United supremo and his reign at the club.
Arnold will become known as the man who brought Greenwood back, who opted against wielding the axe when it became clear the player was free to resume his career.
Rightly or wrongly, that brings immense pressure.
Woodward was maligned for his signings and managerial appointments, as well as his close relationship with the loathed Glazer family.
But Arnold will face the biggest backlash yet. Already, United are caught in a storm before the decision has been made official.
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Mason Greenwood has scored 35 goals for Man Utd during his career so far
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As for Greenwood, he's eager to get back to playing and has recently become a father.
What sort of version of the forward United get upon his expected return, however, remains to be seen.