Mason Greenwood makes an assist on his first start for Getafe – 613 days after his last Man United appearance – as he plays the full 90 minutes in 2-2 draw with Athletic Bilbao

Mason Greenwood made his first start for Getafe on Wednesday as his new side were held to a 2-2 draw by Athletic Bilbao.

The Manchester United loanee has been used as a substitute in Getafe’s two previous matches but was given the nod to start on the wing by manager Jose Bordalas.

Greenwood set up Gaston Alvarez’s goal in the second half, which levelled the match at 1-1.

The 21-year-old had been jeered by some sections of Athletic Bilbao fans at San Mames.

Greenwood’s last start came in Man United’s 1-0 win over West Ham at Old Trafford on January 22, 2022, with his inclusion in Getafe’s first XI coming 613 days later.

The Manchester United loanee had previously made two appearances from the bench 

Greenwood was jeered by Athletic supporters during the opening exchanges of the match

His arrival in Spain has been celebrated by supporters of the club based just outside of Madrid as Greenwood shows signs of settling in as he attempts to rebuild his career after it was previously disrupted by his arrest on charges of attempted rape and assault last year. The charges were eventually dropped by the Crown Prosecution service. 

United held an in-depth internal investigation following the allegations that were made against him and six months later it was mutually decided Greenwood would continue his career away from Old Trafford. 

Greenwood has made an instant impact in his new surroundings and was tipped to soon make his first start for the club after impressing in a 4-3 defeat against Real Sociedad last time out.

However, rival supporters have given him a hostile welcome to LaLiga with many evidently unhappy at Getafe’s decision to sign the player due to the circumstances surrounding his departure from England.

Some Osasuna supporters directed chants of ‘Greenwood die’ towards the Man United academy star during his first appearance for the club.

The Spanish Football Federation subsequently investigated the incident and Osasuna manager Jagoba Arrasate condemned the chants directed towards the player.

Greenwood made his first start 613 days after he last played for Man United against West Ham

His first start for Getafe was similarly met with disapproval from Athletic supporters on Wednesday as his every touch encouraged whistles during the opening exchanges of the game.

Getafe fell behind early on as as left-back Yuri Berchiche struck in the 6th minute while Greenwood initially struggled to settle.

His influence on the match eventually began to grow with two attacks around the half-hour mark being orchestrated by the Bradford-born striker, before he made Alvarez’s equaliser six minutes into the second half.

Getafe were again forced to come from behind as Inaki Williams put the hosts 2-1 ahead, but Juanmi Latasa scored seven minutes from time to earn Greenwood’s side a point.