Man United fans are excited now that the final piece of the puzzle in terms of the club’s board of directors has been completed.Dan Ashworth had to wait a long time to join the club, but he can now work with his teammates and first-team manager, Erik ten Hag, to restore Old Trafford to its former grandeur.
Under normal conditions, two players, Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood, would be critical to United’s ambitions, but their well-publicised troubles have ensured their departure.Certainly, Sir Jim Ratcliffe does not appear to be in the mood to wipe the slate clean and give former England internationals another chance.
Stan Collymore believes that United have let both players down as they seek to restart their careers elsewhere.
“I think that both Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood were unfortunate to be at the madhouse that is Manchester United over the last few years,” he told CaughtOffside in his exclusive pieces.Sancho being dug out by the manager is especially unhelpful, as his form at Dortmund shown.In terms of Greenwood, it was and is a very serious situation.
We all saw the videos, we all saw the pictures, and I’m a massive believer – I have to be because of my own mistakes in life – that you get an opportunity to learn and move forward, and Getafe allowed him to do that.
“There was very toxic way in which his situation was talked about amongst Manchester United fans, men and women. I doubt that there’s a way back for him there, and I think that makes it very difficult for him to come back to an English club too.” Both players would also have been a shoo-in for the England national team at Euro 2024 if things had’ve been different, and Collymore doesn’t believe the international door is closed yet – at least not in Sancho’s case.
For both of them to play abroad now is a fantastic thing, and I believe they will receive numerous offers as a result of England’s current global prominence following their victory against the Netherlands.
“There are a lot of positive connotations following that performance and result,” he said. “They should pursue a future outside of the English top division, because, to some extent, Manchester United and English football have failed them.“I wish them both very well because they’re both extremely talented players, and in a year’s time, if Sancho is doing what we know he can do, there’s nothing to say that by that point, the next England manager doesn’t look to bring him back into the fold.
“For Greenwood I think it’s more difficult because if he plays for England again, everybody – media, women’s groups and the general public – will say that he shouldn’t be.
“Despite me thinking that anybody should have the ability to redeem themselves, I don’t think there is a way back to international duty for Mason Greenwood.”
The recent completion of Manchester United’s board of directors, with Dan Ashworth’s long-awaited arrival, has filled fans with optimism. Working alongside Erik ten Hag, Ashworth aims to help restore Old Trafford to its former glory. However, the departures of Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood have stirred controversy and concern among supporters.
Stan Collymore voiced his opinion on the matter, expressing that both players were failed by Manchester United during tumultuous times. He highlighted that Sancho’s criticism by the manager and Greenwood’s serious legal issues have marred their potential returns to the club. Collymore also believes that a future abroad may be beneficial for both players, especially given England’s recent successes on the international stage.
Collymore remains hopeful for Sancho’s potential comeback to the England national team, contingent on his performance abroad. However, he acknowledges the significant challenges Greenwood would face due to public and media scrutiny, making his return to international duty far less likely.
