02 September 2023 , 09:43
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Getafe fans were filmed dancing outside their stadium on Friday night after the club sealed the loan signing of Man Utd forward Mason Greenwood.
The 21-year-old has not played competitive football since being arrested in January 2022, but in February of this year had charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service. United then launched an internal investigation assessing Greenwood's future, before confirming the forward was to leave the club.
A move to Lazio appeared the most likely outcome at the start of Friday's transfer deadline day, but negotiations collapsed with the Serie A club unable to get the paperwork done on time. The Italian side's president, Claudio Lotito, later told La Lazio Siamo Noi : "I tried until the last minute."
And Getafe then capitalised, with a deal going through shortly before the 11pm deadline. The LaLiga club have not paid a loan fee for the player, but will contribute to his weekly wages alongside United, who remain his parent club.
Once the deal was confirmed, Getafe's X account posted footage of delighted fans dancing outside the stadium. They added the caption: "The Coliseum a few minutes ago," referring to their Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
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It also posted a video of President Angel Torres walking out to applause as he was led out of the stadium and acknowledged jubilant fans. The supporters reacted by chanting the President's name as he headed to the car park.
But inevitably, the post drew some negative reaction, given the controversial circumstances surrounding Greenwood. One X user wrote "Embarrassing" while multiple others replied with the term "Disgrace."
Mason Greenwood has completed a move to Getafe (PA Wire)United have since released a statement which read: “Mason Greenwood has signed for La Liga side Getafe on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance. The move enables Greenwood to begin to rebuild his career away from Manchester United."
The club also promised to back their England international, adding: “The club will continue to offer its support to Mason and his family during this period of transition.”
Getafe are currently 12th in the La Liga ahead of a trip to play Real Madrid on Saturday afternoon. Greenwood, however, will not be eligible for that fixture.