Mason Greenwood is not expected to return for Manchester United before the end of the season as the club continue an internal investigation into the forward.
Greenwood has been suspended since being arrested in January 2022, though the Crown Prosecution Service has since announced that all criminal charges against the 21-year-old have been dropped, after key witnesses withdrew evidence. Greenwood had faced charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive behaviour.
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Greenwood released a short statement following the news, expressing his relief that the ‘matter is now over’.
“I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support. There will be no further comment at this time.”
Despite the charges being dropped, Manchester United confirmed that the club would conduct an internal investigation before ‘determining next steps’.
According to the Daily Mail, United are hoping to complete their investigations before the end of the campaign, though it is unlikely that Greenwood will feature for the club this season should the club decide to do so.
United are weighing up on how to proceed on Greenwood’s future and according to the report, three potential steps have emerged.
The Red Devils could look to sell Greenwood to another club in the summer, terminate his current contract following his legal issues, or introduce the forward back to first-team training.
According to a report in The Athletic last week, members of Manchester United’s womens team – currently at the top of the WSL – feel ‘deeply uncomfortable’ about the prospect of the striker returning to the club.
He will not return to the squad until the investigation process has been completed.
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