Exiled Man United star Mason Greenwood comes off the bench to make his debut for Getafe against Osasuna in his FIRST appearance since January 2022

Mason Greenwood has made his debut for Getafe off the bench in his first appearance since he last played for Manchester United back in January 2022.

The 21-year-old came on as a 77th minute substitute during his side’s LaLiga clash with Osasuna – his first since joining the club on loan from Manchester United in the summer transfer window.

His move to the club was met with criticism after United decided he wouldn’t play for the club again after criminal allegations against him were dropped, but the club have stood by their decision.

He has received good support from the fans of the Spanish club and they will likely get to see him in action this afternoon.

Getafe took a 3-2 victory with Greenwood winning the corner which led to Nemanja Maksimovic scoring an 86th minute winner.

Mason Greenwood has made his debut for Getafe – his first appearance since January 2022

Greenwood (centre left) joins in with his team’s celebrations after they netted an 86th minute winner

Greenwood’s first appearance in 20 months came as a 77th minute substitute

He played on the right flank and won the corner which led to Getafe’s late winner

The 21-year-old forward is spending the season out on loan from Manchester United 

Greenwood pictured waving to Getafe fans before kick-off in Sunday’s LaLiga clash 

It was announced before the game that Greenwood had made the bench for his new side 

Manchester United team-mate Amad Diallo took to social media to show his support for Greenwood’s return, posting a picture of him coming on with heart emojis.

Greenwood joined Getafe on deadline day in September after long deliberation over whether he would be reintegrated into the first team squad at United.

Manager Jose Bordalas had insisted that Greenwood would have to be patient before making his debut, but he was named in the squad ahead of the weekend earlier this week.

Bordalas confirmed that Greenwood must have a ‘period of adaptation’ ahead of their league match against Osasuna on Sunday, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

He said: ‘It is a great hope and there is a great expectation to see him. He has been a year and a half without competing, unemployed, and he is in that period of adaptation and catching up with his teammates.

‘We have to be patient and take care of him. The day-to-day will tell us when he is able to compete. You have to have patience.

‘We know the potential and the level that he has. I don’t like to talk on an individual level but the teammates are helping him a lot.

‘The dressing room has welcomed him with open arms, just like the rest of the new players, and everyone has felt the warmth of the group.’

Getafe were branded ‘tone deaf’ after hailing ‘MasonMania’ on social media following his arrival but put on a glitzy display for the player’s welcome regardless and have continued to back the 21-year-old on social media.

Greenwood told attendees at his unveiling that he was ‘feeling good’ and ‘happy to be here’, and later took to his Instagram page to reflect on his ‘amazing first day’.

Greenwood has largely been welcomed with open arms since moving to Spain on loan from Manchester United

The United loanee has been been training with his new team-mates and is now match fit

The move came after criminal charges against Greenwood, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February.

After a long investigation into charges that were dropped, United decided Greenwood would leave the club over the summer.

A United spokesperson said: ‘All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United. It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.’

Though it’s unclear where he’ll end up once his contract at United is through, Greenwood will be hoping to move forward on the pitch today.