Mason Greenwood: Man Utd tell striker earliest potential return date as internal investigation continues
Mason Greenwood of Manchester United
Manchester United have informed Mason Greenwood of the potential timeframe of their internal investigation into whether he can return to playing for them, a report has revealed.
Greenwood has not played for Man Utd since being 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.
Man Utd have been in a tricky position ever since with regards to Greenwood’s future. His contract with the club is due to last until 2025. However, some believe he shouldn’t represent the club again.
Meanwhile, England manager Gareth Southgate has reportedly ruled out ever picking Greenwood for his country again. Man Utd counterpart Erik ten Hag has kept quiet on the situation, though, assigning responsibility for a decision to the club’s hierarchy.
There have already been some suggestions of Greenwood leaving Man Utd in the relatively near future. Alternatively, there have been indications that he could make a phased return to their setup.
For the time being, he is still being asked to stay away from the club while their own internal investigations continue.
And according to the latest from the Daily Mail, Greenwood has now been told by the club that those investigations are unlikely to conclude before the summer.
Therefore, there is no realistic probability of Greenwood returning to training with Man Utd this season.
There is a fear that bringing him back into the fold within that time 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.
And Man Utd will be sticking with their current crop of players to pursue those ambitions.
Man Utd refuse to rush Mason Greenwood decision
According to the report, Greenwood wants to get back playing for Man Utd as soon as possible. However, the club are against rushing into a decision.
Therefore, the earliest they might reintegrate him – if that is the decision they end up making – would be at some point next season.
Some executives at the club are concerned about the implications that would have on Man Utd’s reputation. Thus, they are taking their time to reach a conclusion.
Prior to his arrest, Greenwood made 129 appearances for Man Utd, scoring 35 goals. The club have still been paying his £70,000-per-week salary while he has been suspended.
If they decide to sever their ties with him, they might have to make a payment worth around £8.1million to him to reflect the remaining value of his contract.
Only time will tell what the future holds for the 21-year-old. But it is now clear that he won’t be part of Man Utd’s 2022-23 campaign.
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