Mason has told Greenwood he will not return to Manchester United training until next season at the earliest amid an internal club investigation into his arrest on rape charges – which were later dropped.
- Greenwood has been told he will not return to United coaching until next year
- An internal investigation is underway after Greenwood’s charges are dropped
- The 21-year-old striker has been suspended by United since January 2022
Mason Greenwood has been told he will not return to training at Manchester United until next season at the earliest, as the club’s international investigation into his arrest on rape charges is unlikely to be completed before the summer.
The 21-year-old striker has been suspended by United since January 2022, when allegations first surfaced of attempted rape and assault that led to his arrest and charge, but Greater Manchester Police dropped all charges last month.
It is understood that Greenwood has held extensive talks with United officials in recent weeks in which the player has confirmed his desire to return as soon as possible and stressed his commitment to staying at Old Trafford, where he contracts until 2025.
The club insists a decision will not be rushed, and continues to carry out due diligence into the circumstances surrounding his arrest and his off-field behaviour.
United are grappling with a difficult ethical, human, commercial and financial dilemma surrounding Greenwood, while there is also an acknowledgment that a controversial decision in the next two months could derail their Champions League qualification bid and their FA Cup and Europa League campaigns. .
Mason Greenwood has been told he will not return to Manchester United’s management until next season at the earliest, as the club continues its investigation.
United boss Erik ten Hag declined to comment further on Greenwood’s future at the club
The club is understood to be divided on the issue, with football department staff arguing it should be given a second chance, but commercial executives are more cautious amid concerns about potential damage to United’s reputation.
Sponsors Nike, EA Sports and Cadbury dropped Greenwood after the allegations first surfaced.
His jersey is no longer for sale, although the team’s number 11 has yet to be re-allocated.
Erik ten Hag scrupulously avoided discussing Greenwood’s future.
He insisted this was an issue with the club’s hierarchy, although the Dutchman has spoken to the player since charges were dropped last month.
The former England under-21 striker has continued to receive his £70,000-per-week wages since his suspension.
It is understood that the remainder of his contract is £8.1m, which the club may have to repay if they choose to fire him at the end of the season.
United declined to comment.
Greenwood was photographed arriving in court in November 2022 for the now-dropped charges of attempted rape, assault, domination and coercive conduct.
