Mason Greenwood has said he will not return to Manchester United training until next season amid the club’s internal investigation into his arrest on rape charges, which have since been dropped.
- Greenwood has been told he will not return to United training until next year
- An internal investigation is underway after Greenwood’s charges were dropped.
- The 21-year-old striker has been suspended by United since January 2022
Mason Greenwood has been told he will not return to Manchester United coaching until next season at the earliest as the club’s international inquiry 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 of attempted rape and assault first surfaced which led to his arrest and charge, but Greater Manchester Police dropped all charges last month.
Greenwood is understood to have had extensive discussions with United officials in recent weeks in which the player has stressed his desire to return as soon as possible and underlined his commitment to remain at Old Trafford, where he has a contract until 2025.
However, the club insist that they will not rush into a decision and continue to carry out due diligence into the circumstances surrounding his arrest and his conduct off the pitch.
United grappling with a difficult ethical, human, commercial and financial dilemma regarding Greenwood, while also acknowledging that making a controversial decision in the next two months could disrupt his Champions League qualifying drive and campaigns in the FA Cup and the Europa League. .
Mason Greenwood has been told he will not return to Manchester United training until next season at the earliest, while the club continues its investigation.
United boss Erik ten Hag has refused to comment further on Greenwood’s future at the club.
The club is understood to be divided on the issue, with staff from the football department arguing it should be given a second chance, but business executives are more cautious amid concerns about potential damage to United’s reputation.
Sponsors Nike, EA Sports and Cadbury dropped Greenwood after the first allegations surfaced.
His jersey is no longer for sale, although his number 11 number has not been reallocated.
Erik Ten Hag has scrupulously avoided discussing the future of Greenwood.
He has insisted it is a problem for the club’s hierarchy, although the Dutchman has spoken to the player since the charges were dropped last month.
The former England Under-21 striker has continued to receive his £70,000 a week salary since he was suspended.
The remaining value of his contract is understood to be £8.1m, which the club could have to pay if they decide to sack him at the end of the season.
United declined to comment.
Greenwood is shown arriving in court in November 2022 on the now-dropped charges of attempted rape, assault, and controlling and coercive behavior.