Manchester United Loanee Mason Greenwood nears his return in January after scoring first goal for Getafe since completed his loan move from Man Utd.

Mason Greenwood left Manchester United on loan in August after the club felt he could no longer have a future at Old Trafford against the backdrop of his arrest in October last year

Mason Greenwood has scored his first goal for Getafe since joining the Spanish club on loan from Manchester United.The 22-year-old striker bagged his side’s second goal during their La Liga match against Celta Vigo, firing home from close range to give them a 2-1 lead in the 33rd minute. Borja Mayoral had already opened the scoring for Getafe just two minutes into the match before Jonathan Bamba equalised.Greenwood’s goal was timely as Getafe had been reduced to 10 men just minutes before when Domingos Duarte was sent off. Jorgen Strand Larsen then levelled for the hosts just before half-time.

Greenwood is on loan at the Spanish club until the end of the season after United decided he could no longer continue his career at Old Trafford. The striker was arrested in October last year and was subsequently charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.Those charges were later dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service but United launched an internal investigation and determined all parties would be better served if Greenwood left the club. There was significant backlash against the prospect of Greenwood returning to the United lineup which is thought to have played a part in club chiefs coming to their decision.A statement released by United in August read: “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, recognise 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 has faced a mixed reaction since joining Getafe. He has now made five appearances but had yet to score prior to his goal against Celta. He had gone more than 18 months without playing by the time he made his Getafe debut while his goal is his first since January 2022.