Liverpool legend and Saudi club Al-Ettifaq's head coach Steven Gerrard opened up about signing Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood.
Gerrard, 43, uploaded an image on his Instagram story of a news linking the 21-year-old to the Saudi club and dismissed it with a caption: "Fake news".
The Liverpool legend has enjoyed an unbeaten start to his managerial career in the Gulf country with two victories — against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr and Al-Hazm — in his first two league games.
It must be noted that United confirmed on Monday (August 21) that Greenwood will not be continuing his career with the 20-time Premier League (PL) champions after a six-and-a-half-month investigation.
"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," the club said in a statement.
"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."
Even though the English club gave a clean-chit to the player after their investigation, the internal conflict and the backlash from the fans forced the club to part ways with the 21-year-old.
Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of rape after his then-girlfriend Harriet Robson posted her pictures and an audio file on social media.
The footballer was then immediately suspended from training and matches by United and last played for the club against West Ham in January last year.
Nike suspended and later terminated its sponsorship deal with the player, while Electronic Arts confirmed his removal from active squads on its FIFA 22 game following his arrest.
But in February 2023, charges of attempted rape and assault against Mason Greenwood were dropped by the prosecutor.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material coming to light were factors in their decision to stop the case against the 21-year-old.
