Former Manchester United player Clayton Blackmore has apologised after calling for Mason Greenwood to return to Old Trafford. Greenwood was a key figure in Fenerbahce's 3-2 Champions League victory over Liverpool on Wednesday night, but fans quickly condemned Blackmore's remarks.
Greenwood scored the equaliser for Fenerbahce in the first half before Alexander Isak put Liverpool ahead in the second half. Two late goals turned the match around for the Turkish side.
Backlash over social media post
Posting on X, Blackmore wrote: "Well done Mason Greenwood beating Liverpool. Come home to us please [heart emoji]." The message drew swift criticism, with many supporters accusing Blackmore of disregarding the circumstances behind Greenwood's exit from United.
Blackmore subsequently deleted the post and issued an apology the following day.
Greenwood's departure from United
A graduate of United's academy, Greenwood was considered one of the club's most promising young prospects. However, he was arrested and charged in 2022 with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The Crown Prosecution Service withdrew the charges in February 2023 after key witnesses pulled out of proceedings and fresh evidence emerged. United then conducted an internal inquiry before deciding Greenwood would not continue his career at Old Trafford.
He spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Getafe before securing a permanent transfer to Marseille in 2024. Greenwood scored 48 goals in 81 appearances for the French side before moving to Fenerbahce this summer. He has made a promising start in Turkey, finding the net eight times in 19 matches.
Previous criticism
This is not the first time Blackmore has faced criticism for his public comments about Greenwood. In January, he expressed regret that both Greenwood and former United academy player Angel Gomes had left Old Trafford after the duo scored for Marseille.
"Good to see Angel Gomes and Mason Greenwood score for Marseille in first 26 mins. Sad they're not still at United," he posted. The message sparked a backlash, though Blackmore stood by his stance at the time, saying he was viewing the matter from a purely footballing angle.
He later issued a further apology, stating: "Sorry... I will do my home work next time just looking at it from the football side."
Blackmore, a former Wales international, arrived at United as a 14-year-old schoolboy in 1978. He made his first-team debut six years later but did not become a regular in the squad until Sir Alex Ferguson took charge in 1986. He featured in United's 1992/93 Premier League title-winning side, secured the FA Cup in 1990, and contributed to the club's European Cup Winners' Cup and European Super Cup triumphs in 1991. Blackmore ended his 16-year spell with United in 1994, moving to Middlesbrough on a free transfer.
