Ralf Rangnick is facing rising dressing room dissatisfaction at Manchester United, according to sources, with players arguing about whether the club was correct to shut out Mason Greenwood following his arrest.
Greenwood was detained last Saturday on accusations of rape, sexual assault, assault, and making threats to murder, but was freed on bail after three nights in a prison cell and questioning by police.
Following the claims, it appears that some of his teammates have sought to distance themselves from him on social media, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani, and Victor Lindelof reportedly unfollowing him on Instagram.
A report from The Sun says that this has piled pressure on other first-team members to follow suit, although it is thought that several stars believe it was wrong to cast Greenwood out with the law stating he is innocent until proven guilty.
Speaking to the publication, a source said: ‘One player in particular is furious about it. He feels that ditching Mason shows they are not together.
‘If Mason is convicted of what he has been accused of, then clearly all the players will be horrified.
‘But the police haven’t even decided if they have enough evidence to charge him or not yet.
‘Some of those closest to him feel the course of justice should be allowed to run.
‘But when some of the players started dumping him, they felt they had to as well.
‘One of the players said it showed how the squad wasn’t together and showed that too many times they act as individuals.’
Greenwood has been suspended by the club pending the investigation, with United adamant that he will not train or play for them for the foreseeable future. Any merchandise related to him has also been removed from sale.
On Thursday, United boss Rangnick admitted that the forward’s arrest was a ‘topic within the team’, saying: ‘We had internal discussions but I’m pretty sure everyone will understand those internal discussions should stay internal.
‘It’s an unusual situation for everybody.’
Greenwood’s accuser, an 18-year-old student, broke her silence recently to thank her supporters. She said the past week has been ‘difficult’ and announced she would not be making any further statements pending the police probe.
She first made the allegations against Greenwood, 20, after posting photos and audio allegedly detailing her claims of abuse.
England manager Gareth Southgate, meanwhile, has ruled out considering calling the striker up for selection until all legal proceedings are over, The Sun reported.
United have confirmed supporters will be able to exchange their shirts with Greenwood’s name emblazoned on the back for free.
Nike have suspended their sponsorship deal with the player, while United’s shirt sponsor TeamViewer said they are ‘closely monitoring developments’.
Official partner Cadbury will not feature him on their marking products.
With United plunged into crisis, one source said: ‘Everyone is very shaken up. This is very different from the normal things they have to deal with.’
Rangnick would have hoped to have turned attentions to his side’s FA Cup fourth-round clash against Middlesbrough, although United crashed out on penalties.