Clayton Blackmore apologises after urging Mason Greenwood to return to Man Utd following Fenerbahce win over Liverpool

Clayton Blackmore has apologised and deleted a social media post in which he urged Mason Greenwood to return to Manchester United, after the 25-year-old scored for Fenerbahce in their 3-2 Champions League win over Liverpool on Wednesday.

Blackmore, who made 245 appearances for United between 1982 and 1994, wrote on X: “Well done Mason Greenwood beating Liverpool. Come home to us please.” The post drew immediate criticism from supporters who felt the 62-year-old had glossed over the circumstances that led to Greenwood leaving Old Trafford. Blackmore deleted the message and issued an apology the following day.

Greenwood opened his account in the match after Trey Nyoni had put Liverpool ahead, with two further late goals completing a memorable victory for the Turkish side.

The former Wales international’s comments reignited a debate that has followed Greenwood since his departure from United. He was arrested in 2022 and charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew and new material came to light. United conducted an internal investigation before concluding that Greenwood would not resume his career at the club.

He spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Getafe before joining Marseille permanently in 2024, where he scored 48 goals in 81 appearances. Greenwood moved to Fenerbahce this summer and has continued that form, registering eight goals in 19 appearances.

This is not the first time Blackmore has faced a backlash over public comments about Greenwood. In January, he expressed disappointment that both Greenwood and former United youngster Angel Gomes — who had scored for Marseille — were no longer at Old Trafford. That post also attracted criticism, though Blackmore initially defended himself by saying he was viewing the situation purely from a footballing perspective before later apologising: “Sorry… I will do my home work next time just looking at it from the football side.”

Blackmore joined United as a 14-year-old schoolboy in 1978 and made his senior debut six years later, going on to become a key squad member during the club’s transition into the Sir Alex Ferguson era.