LAZIO have revealed the real reason their Mason Greenwood deal fell through at the last minute.

Yesterday it was revealed that the striker, 21, had been thrown a last-ditch lifeline by top European club Lazio.

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However, Greenwood then signed with Spain’s Getafe on loan just minutes before the transfer window closed.

Greenwood, who was tipped to be the next big thing by Sir Alex Ferguson, has not played competitive football since January last year. 

He was arrested and charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, before the case was dropped by the CPS in February. 

Greenwood had hoped for a return to United but was axed earlier this month following mounting pressure from fans. 

Now Lazio have claimed that Manchester United are to blame for them missing out on Greenwood.

Lazio’s president, Claudio Lotito, claims he was keen to join the Serie A club but United did not sign the paperwork in time.

Lotito told La Lazio Siamo Noi: “I tried until the last minute”.

Greenwood “mutually agreed” to leave United on August 21 following backlash over his potential return to the squad after his arrest for attempted rape and sexual assault.

He was charged in October last year but all charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Greenwood has not kicked a ball for Utd since January 2022 when he was suspended and it was decided this month that it would be best for all if his future was away from Old Trafford. 

Following Greenwood’s recent signing for Madrid-based club Getafe, United said in a statement: “Mason Greenwood has signed for La Liga side Getafe CF on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance.

“The move enables Greenwood to begin to rebuild his career away from Manchester United. 

“The club will continue to offer its support to Mason and his family during this period of transition.”

Getafe announced the move with a video of fans wildly celebrating outside the club’s Coliseum Alfonso Perez stadium.

They began jumping and chanting when the deal was confirmed.

Greenwood’s last match for United was in the 1-0 Premier League win over West Ham on January 22 last year.