Exclusive: Man Utd refuse to rule out Greenwood return with future hinging on who takes over from Glazers

Graeme Bailey 02 Apr 2023 5:02 PM

TEAMtalk can reveal the latest on Mason Greenwood’s future, amid reports that Manchester United have rejected bids for him while their internal investigation continues.

The 21-year-old was arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges in February 2023, though, after the withdrawal of key witnesses.

Greenwood has previously put in some excellent performances in a United shirt, but considering the controversy surrounding him, it would be a controversial move from the club’s hierarchy to welcome him back into the squad.

We reported on Thursday that while many believe that he shouldn’t represent the club again, Man Utd are refusing to rush into a decision regarding his future.

Meanwhile, England manager Gareth Southgate has already ruled out Greenwood ever playing for his country again, while Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has so far remained quiet on the situation.

Indeed, Man Utd are currently in a very difficult situation, with his contract at the club set to last until 2025.

Change of ownership could determine Greenwood’s fate

Now, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has claimed that Greenwood’s future could depend on who takes over from the Glazers as the new owners of Man Utd.

He said: “It is believed members of Manchester United’s hierarchy are refusing to rule out a return for the England international.

“Nobody at the club is expecting Greenwood to return to training this season, but thereafter he could yet have a future.

“A number of Greenwood’s team-mates believe he should be given a chance to kick-start his career next season after the police charges against him were dropped.

“One major unknown is what will happen with the possible change of ownership, as it stands The Glazers do not appear in a hurry to bring Greenwood back into the fold, but a new owner could have very different opinion.”

As previously reported by TEAMtalk, English billionaire Sir Jim Radcliffe is ‘confident’ of reaching a deal to become the new Man Utd owner, while a group of Qatari investors, led by Sheikh Jassim, are also thought to be contenders.

While the charges against Greenwood have been dropped, there is a fear that bringing him back into the fold would distract from the positive momentum they have been building and their pursuit of further success in the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.

Ten Hag has already lifted the Carabao Cup trophy with Man Utd this season. Finishing in the top four is one of his remaining targets, along with the other two trophies on offer.

With all that in mind, it will be interesting to see how this story develops in the coming months.

Manchester United Mason Greenwood