Mason Greenwood finds himself in an unusual position as one of the ‘disliked people’ associated with Manchester United in Football Manager 2024, a scenario stemming from a unique set of circumstances. Following the dismissal of charges against Greenwood involving attempted rape, coercive behavior, and assault by the Crown Prosecution Service in February, Manchester United conducted an internal investigation. Subsequently, the 22-year-old embarked on a loan move to Getafe in Spain.
Earlier this year, EA Sports opted to incorporate Greenwood into its EA FC 24 title, limiting his availability to offline modes. Notably absent from online modes like Ultimate Team, Greenwood’s presence was addressed differently in Sports Interactive’s latest football management simulation game, FM24. In this edition, he is designated as one of the most ‘disliked players’ at Manchester UFC, a designation arising from a legal dispute between Manchester United and SI.
This choice reflects an effort to make the game as authentic as possible, mirroring the real-world complexities surrounding Greenwood’s status.
The decision to categorize Greenwood as ‘disliked’ in FM24 aligns with the uncertainty surrounding his future at Old Trafford. Despite his contractual ties to Manchester United until 2025, the likelihood of his return after the Getafe loan appears slim. While the player’s fate in English football remains uncertain, the simulation in FM24 attempts to capture this unprecedented situation.
In Football Manager, the concept of ‘disliked’ individuals applies to clubs, players, and non-players, influencing associations within the game. United’s ‘disliked people’ list encompasses figures such as Steven Gerrard, John Terry, Luis Suarez, Ed Woodward, Rafael Benitez, and others. This feature enhances realism in the game, preventing AI-controlled teams, including the Red Devils, from pursuing connections with individuals on this list, a reflection of real-life dynamics and decisions that would not occur in the football world.
Also read: Tom Aspinall’s plea brings Jon Jones’ next fight for UFC Heavyweight Title in Question
