Man Utd ‘receive enquiries’ for Greenwood amid ongoing internal investigation

02 March 2023 , 18:01

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Mason Greenwood last played for Manchester United on January 22 of last year (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt/Getty Images)

Manchester United have received a number of enquiries regarding the availability of Mason Greenwood from clubs interested in taking the striker on loan.

The 21-year-old remains suspended by the Old Trafford club pending the outcome of an internal investigation after criminal charges related to an alleged attempted rape and coercive behaviour were dropped last month.

The Crown Prosecution Service said three criminal charges would no longer be pursued after “key witnesses” had withdrawn co-operation and "new material came to light."

Greenwood has been suspended by since the allegations surfaced in January 2022. He was subsequently charged and had been set to face trial in November of this year. The once-capped England international has a contract at Old Trafford that runs until June 2025 and he continues to receive his salary, worth about £75,000 per week, in full.

According to the Telegraph, Turkish clubs are among those interested in signing him on loan but no firm offers had been made to United. No timescale has been provided in relation to the club's investigation and there have been suggestions that it may not be completed until after the domestic season.

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United are on an upward trajectory, with head coach Erik ten Hag guiding the team to their first trophy since 2017 when winning the Carabao Cup last weekend. They are in the last 16 of the Europa League, quarter-finals of the FA Cup and sit third in the Premier League.

United said in a statement following the CPS decision: " Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped. The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps. We will not make any further comment until that process is complete."

Mason Greenwood applauds Manchester United supporters after his last appearance for the club before his arrest. ((Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images))

Immediately after the CPS decision there were reports that the first team dressing room was split about welcoming Greenwood back, while some players in the women's team are understood to hold reservations.

Following his initial arrest several of Greenwood's sponsors, including Nike, cancelled their deals. When Greenwood added the kit manufacturer into his social media biography a couple of days after the CPS announcement, Nike confirmed in a statement that he was no longer one of their athletes.

He was also removed from the FIFA computer game and Football Manager series. United stopped selling all merchandise with his name and face on it and a number of team-mates unfollowed him on social media.

Alan Smith