Mason Greenwood ‘encouraged to consider suing Man Utd’ after seeing Benjamin Mendy win unpaid wages battle with Man City

Mendy pursued an employment tribunal claim against City last year, alleging that he was owed over £11 million in unpaid wages. His claim resulted from a suspension without pay that commenced in September 2021 after he was charged with multiple counts of sexual assault. Upon his acquittal of all charges, the tribunal ruled in Mendy's favour directing City to pay a significant portion of his withheld wages.

According to The Sun, buoyed by Mendy's case verdict, Greenwood's team is examining whether Greenwood could sue Manchester United. After Greenwood was charged with rape and sexual assault, United suspended him and eventually decided to part ways with him, even after the charges were dropped.

According to sources close to the situation, United are aware of the potential legal implications and are prepared to face a claim from Greenwood if he decides to pursue it. An insider revealed to The Sun: "This is something that has been on the cards ever since criminal charges against Mason were dropped. The club has noted the Mendy case and the potential implications it has for them. But the two cases are fundamentally different. Mendy was suspended without pay by City, whilst Mason was suspended on full pay."

The 21-year-old had been one of Europe’s most promising young talents, but his arrest and the subsequent fallout had a devastating impact on his commercial value. Nike, Greenwood’s former sponsor, terminated its endorsement deal with him, and potential future sponsorships dwindled as well. Greenwood’s representatives are reportedly still unhappy with how United managed his situation and believe his earning potential has been permanently affected by the club’s stance. Hence, if Greenwood were to proceed with legal action, it would likely focus on loss of future earnings and endorsements rather than unpaid wages.

“If he were to launch legal action it would be for a loss of potential earnings," he said.

“He was one of the hottest prospects in Europe. His suspension destroyed it all in an instant. He could also claim for damage to his mental health. The Mendy case has emboldened those around Greenwood. They feel he was unfairly treated. But the club sought legal advice at every single stage and is prepared should he go through with it.”

Greenwood found the net against Auxerre in Ligue 1 on Friday but could not prevent his side from succumbing to a 3-1 defeat at home. He will be back in action against Lens on November 23.