Manchester United is conspiring to engineer the return of Gullenwood, who was suspected of sexual assault and domestic violence but ultimately cleared of all charges, a decision that has sparked controversy and evaluation on many fronts. Nonetheless, some domestic violence victims' groups, the media, and even United insiders have expressed strong dissatisfaction, with some employees even threatening to resign or go on strike in protest.
According to Athletic.com, United have thoroughly analyzed the potential impact of Gerlian Livet's comeback, and have sought to do a good job of public relations by having strict rules on everything from the content of the images released to the wording Tanhag uses when facing the media. To that end, United also contacted a host of soccer experts, media and politicians to gather outside reaction, which was meticulously divided into three camps: supportive, neutral and opposed.
Politicians and domestic violence victims' organizations have voiced their opposition, with one even stating, "I will always be on the side of domestic violence victims, please consider me an enemy of Manchester United." A longtime United supporter, a sports anchorwoman, also let it slip that she would no longer support United if Glynn Livet returned.
There are also divisions within Manchester United, and while most players support the return of Gullenwoodt, some of the staff have threatened to resign or go on strike. In the face of this situation, Tannhäuser made it clear that the team will remain focused regardless of whether or not Gullenwoodt returns: "We will only focus on the game and on who can play."
