Mason Greenwood ‘won’t make Man Utd return until next year’

Mason Greenwood has reportedly been told that he will not be able to return to Manchester United until at least next season. The Premier League club’s hierarchy are still conducting an internal investigation over whether the striker can continue playing after charges of rape and assault against Greenwood were dropped in February. 

The 21-year-old was arrested and charged in January 2022. United immediately suspended the England international on full pay. 

However, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges in February after key witnesses withdrew from the investigation. Greenwood has remained suspended by United while the club conducts an internal investigation. 

The United academy graduate has apparently been told that he will not return to first-team training until at least next season. There is reportedly a split between club staff over whether they should allow him to make a comeback. 

According to the Daily Mail, Greenwood has been in contact with United over his future. The report adds that there is a split among staff over whether to welcome him back into the club. 

There are staff on the football side who allegedly hold the view with Greenwood should be given a second chance. However, some in the marketing department supposedly believe that Greenwood’s possible return could damage the club’s reputation. 

Nike, EA Sports and Cadbury all terminated deals with Greenwood after the allegations first emerged. He was subsequently removed from the video games FIFA and Football Manager. 

The player has continued to earn his reported £70,000 per-week wage while suspended by United. Should the Red Devils decide to terminate his contract, they could face paying more than £8million in compensation. 

United boss Erik ten Hag has avoided questions over Greenwood’s future but has apparently spoken with the forward to discuss his future. The Dutchman is also believed to have held talks with some of his other players about the situation. 

When quizzed on those discussions and Greenwood’s future in general, Ten Hag has insisted that it remains a matter for individuals above his head. 

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