Some clarity on Greenwood’s future, Man United boss reaches out

*Note: This is an updated article on Greenwood

Last month, it was dramatically confirmed that all attempted rape and assault charges were dropped against Mason Greenwood after more than a year under investigation.

However, it still remains to be seen what actions United will take, with the only statement to date reading as follows: “The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps. We will not make any further comment until that process is complete.”

In an update reported on by The Daily Star, the internal probe will apparently could go on for several more months, and all signs suggest that there is no chance Greenwood will be considered for selection this season.

The 21-year-old remains contracted to United until the middle of 2025, but has not played for the Red Devils since January 22 last year. It’s expected that the club will now interview Greenwood to ascertain his version of events and will also get specialists in to assess his mental and physical state.

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 It’s also been reported that United manager Erik Ten Hag got in touch with the youngster over the phone after the case was dropped.

“The manager enquired how he was feeling physically and mentally and said he was pleased the charges had been dropped,” a source told The Sun 

High-profile football publication, The Athletic, recently approached several female supporters to find out their views on any possible return for Greenwood, with the publication stating that “women’s voices have been largely absent” during this story.

Natalie Burrell, the founder of United Women’s Supporters’ Club made her position clear: “I don’t think he should play again for Manchester United. It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world. They need to make a statement and letting him back would be the worst thing they could do. It would set our club back in terms of what we’re trying to do with our women’s team and campaigns like Her Game Too which are trying to encourage women to play and watch football.”

“I just don’t want to see him training. I don’t want to see him in a [United] kit. I don’t want to see him ever coming out at Old Trafford again.”

Another die-heard fan, named Gina, said there was no doubt about what the club should do: “While ‘charges dropped’ is not conclusive either way, if there is any doubt from United that he is guilty of these allegations then I do not feel he should play for United, or any other club, again.”

A third fan, 33-year-old Kaydee, echoed these sentiments. “They definitely shouldn’t have him back – not after how far the game has come to promote women. It’s just not acceptable and a club like United should know better.”

READ | MASON GREENWOOD COMMENTS AFTER RAPE CHARGES DROPPED

GREENWOOD HAS STILL BEEN BANKING A SIGNIFICANT SALARY FROM UNITED

Towards the end of June, it was confirmed that Greenwood had his police bail extended once again as investigations continued after damning videos and images came to light on the social media account of former girlfriend Harriet Robson.

Greenwood has since remained under ongoing investigation for the better part of the last year. However, a Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson explained at the start of 2023 why charges had been dropped.

“We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review. In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case.

“We have explained our decision to all parties. ‘We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”

In a short statement released on his behalf, Greenwood commented: “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.”

Increasingly it appeared that his future with Manchester United would be viewed as untenable, but it now remains to be seen what stance the club will take.