Don't spend the money - Women advocacy group urge Man Utd to donate Greenwood's £30m transfer fee to them

Manchester United's decision to sell Mason Greenwood to Marseille for £30 million has sparked controversy and criticism from various quarters.

Greenwood’s move to the Ligue 1 giants comes after a tumultuous period for the 22-year-old forward, who has previously faced serious legal charges.

Despite the charges being dropped in February 2023, there are still concerns over the implications of his transfer, especially in light of the allegations levelled against him.

David Challen, a prominent domestic abuse campaigner, has now condemned Manchester United for prioritizing financial gains over ethical considerations.

While speaking to inews, Challen argued that the club should have engaged with women's charities and considered donating Greenwood’s transfer proceeds to support related causes.

‘It just doesn’t seem like the club cares, even on a basic level, about women and girls,’ Challen said.

'They didn’t even engage with women’s charities until the 11th hour, the fact they can’t donate to one of those charities or maybe a charity in the local area, it's woeful, especially for a club of Man Utd's size.’

Greenwood’s transfer to France has also been met with criticism from the Mayor of Marseille, Benoit Payan, who warned against the switch and branded the footballer 'a disgrace'.

In response to the uproar, advocacy groups and individuals have also called on Manchester United to redirect the £30 million earned from Greenwood's transfer to women's charities.

The controversy has sparked debate among football fans, with opinions divided over whether clubs should take a more proactive stance in addressing societal issues.

Recall that hundreds of supporters had gathered to greet Greenwood after he touched down in France on Wednesday evening but the Marseille fanbase remains split on the club’s decision to secure his services ahead of the 2024/25 season.

During his time at Manchester United, Greenwood made 129 appearances in total for the Red Devils, scoring 35 goals.

The 22-year-old was also a fan-favourite, often lauded for his decisive finishing.