Ex-Manchester United star Clayton Blackmore apologises for Mason Greenwood 'come home' post following Fenerbahce win over Liverpool

Former Manchester United defender Clayton Blackmore has been forced to issue a public apology after sparking a social media backlash with comments regarding Mason Greenwood. The 62-year-old had urged the forward to return to Old Trafford following his impressive performance in the Champions League.

The situation developed shortly after Fenerbahce secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday evening. Greenwood, now 25, played a central role in the Turkish side's triumph by netting an equaliser during the first half against United's historic rivals. His performance prompted Blackmore to take to social media to celebrate the result, but his choice of words quickly drew significant criticism from the United faithful and the wider football community.

On his official X account, the former Wales international wrote: "Well done Mason Greenwood beating Liverpool. Come home to us please." The post immediately ignited a firestorm of disparaging comments, reminding the former defender of the circumstances surrounding the winger's departure from English football. The backlash was so swift and severe that Blackmore felt compelled to address the matter just two hours later, claiming he had misunderstood the current legal standing and status of the former Red Devils academy graduate.

The post quickly drew a wave of condemnation from supporters, leading Blackmore to issue a formal clarification just hours later. Taking to his personal account, Blackmore apologised to everyone he upset with his remarks, claiming he was under the impression that the player had been fully cleared of previous allegations.

"Sorry I've offended anyone but I heard he had been cleared of any wrongdoing I apologise to everyone I've upset with my comments like I said I thought he had been cleared of everything and he’s had a baby with his girlfriend. Big sorry," he wrote on X.

Greenwood's departure from Manchester United remains one of the most contentious episodes in the club's recent history. Once considered the crown jewel of the Carrington academy, the striker's career at the club was halted in 2022 following his arrest on suspicion of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault. While the Crown Prosecution Service eventually dropped all charges in early 2023, United conducted a lengthy internal investigation that ultimately concluded it was best for both parties if he continued his career elsewhere, following significant pressure from fans.

Since his permanent exit from the North West, Greenwood has sought to rebuild his reputation away from the intense glare of the English media. After a productive loan spell in La Liga with Getafe, he moved to Marseille before joining Fenerbahce for a fee of approximately £33 million this summer. His life in Istanbul has been relatively quiet, as he has largely avoided the limelight that usually accompanies star signings. The forward currently resides in the Sarıyer district, a popular area for foreign players, where he is reportedly neighbours with former Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante and ex-Real Madrid star Marco Asensio.