Mason Greenwood pressure heaped on Man Utd as brutal Gareth Southgate stance on England call-up emerges
Manchester United are under added pressure and scrutiny over their decision on Mason Greenwood amid claims about his international career with England under Gareth Southgate.
The 21-year-old attacker is currently awaiting a decision on his future at Manchester United having been asked to stay away. And it remains uncertain whether Greenwood will ever play for the Red Devils again after charges of attempted rape were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.
That comes after the CPS decided last month not to pursue their case against Greenwood after the withdrawal of key witnesses and new evidence meant there was “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction”. And as a result they had “a duty to stop the case”.
However, depsite charges being dropped, Greenwood has been asked to stay away from United while the club conducts its own internal investigation into the player and his actions.
In order to try and resurrect his Old Trafford career, reports last week revealed Greenwood has met with a number of his teammates.
However, it was also revealed that his potential return has divided senior players at Old Trafford amid what is described as ‘stark concerns’.
Furthermore, female staff members also hold similar worries about his possible return. In addition, a number of United’s commercial partners are also keeping a close watch on the situation.
Manchester United’s Women’s team also reportedly feel ‘deeply uncomfortable’ at his potential comeback.
However, speculation on his future continues to grow with United still unsure what path to go down.
They could yet decide to release the player if they deemed his return would be too controversial and morally wrong.
As a result, Greenwood would not be short of offers.
Man Utd could offer star return on two conditions
However, United still remain unsure what to do for the best.
The player continues to earn his full £75,000 a week salary and is currently contracted to summer 2025.
Clearly the situation cannot continue indefinitely. And United chiefs are under pressure to come to a decision on the player.
However, a report on Friday claims they have not entirely ruled out a comeback for United.
And in order to smooth that process over, The Athletic reports that Greenwood could be asked to explain his actions in a TV interview to help clear his name.
And secondly, they could force the player to undergo a period of therapy amid a phased return to first-team duties.
Such a move, though, would be open for widespread condemnation.
And it seems they are now under increasing pressure to do what is perceived by many to do the right thing.
Gareth Southgate stands England ground over Mason Greenwood
Now the screw appears to have been significantly twisted by England manager Gareth Southgate.
Greenwood has been capped just the once by England, but has been around the squad on a few occasions.
And as a result of his charges being dropped, Greenwood had been hoping to ressurect his career with England.
However, it now seems his Three Lions career is over. Per The Sun, Southgate has made clear that Greenwood will never be picked under his watch again.
The 52-year-old England coach places a big emphasis on how his squad gels and interacts with one another, as well as talent. To that end, he does not want Greenwood back among the ranks with the player seen as potentially damaging morale.
As such, Southgate’s no-nonsense decision will heap further pressure on United to follow suit.
Time will tell how this one will play out.
READ MORE: Manchester United must walk a narrow tightrope over Mason Greenwood and his potential return
