14 February 2023 , 19:14
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Manchester United’s first-team squad are split on a possible return of Mason Greenwood to the club, it has been claimed.
A report in The Times claims United’s players hold differing views on Greenwood's situation; some are believed to harbour concerns over the striker coming back into the fold while others are said to be ambivalent to the situation after charges against the player were dropped.
It is claimed that members of United’s women’s team also have serious concerns about the possibility of Greenwood returning to the club’s training facilities. Other female members of staff are said to share similar concerns, while commercial partners may seek to distance themselves from the club in such a scenario.
Mirror Football approached Manchester United who declined to comment on the situation.
Greenwood had all criminal charges against him – including attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm – dropped earlier this month by the Crown Prosecution Service. The CPS confirmed that the charges had been dropped due to "the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light".
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That announcement followed the footballer's arrest last year. Speaking after the decision to drop the charges, the 21-year-old forward said: "I am relieved this matter is now over. I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support."
All charges against Greenwood have been dropped (PA)Questions then immediately turned to Greenwood's future in the game having been suspended by United since the allegations first came to light. A statement from the Red Devils read: "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."
Greenwood is still suspended by United and he will not be returning to their Carrington training ground or featuring in fixtures until the club have conducted their own investigation.
United manager Erik ten Hag did not comment on the player during his press conference on Friday, saying: "I can't add nothing, I refer to the statement of the club." There is no timescale on how long United's investigation could take or what sort of outcome it could lead to.
Ten Hag is reported to have spoken to Greenwood for the first time last week, in which the player was said to have been informed that any decision over his future would be taken by the club and not the management team.
Greenwood remains under contract at Old Trafford until the summer of 2025. He has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for United having made his senior debut in the Champions League in March 2019, and won a single England cap in 2020.