Despite being cleared by the Crown Prosecution Service, Mason Greenwood remains suspended by Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag reportedly told Mason Greenwood that his chances of returning to the Manchester United first team are entirely dependent on the club, not him. The Dutchman is said to have had his first formal conversation with the 21-year-old forward since the Crown Prosecution Service cleared him of attempted rape and assault charges on February 2.
Greenwood is still suspended by the Red Devils, and it is unclear whether he will be allowed to return to Old Trafford after not playing for the club since January 2022.
Nonetheless, The Sun reports that Ten Hag was eager to contact Greenwood to find out how he was feeling following the events.
Ten Hag has yet to work with the highly-rated forward since replacing Ralf Rangnick, but he appeared eager to provide Greenwood with clarity on where he stands.
“Mason has spent a long time with very little — if any — contact from the club,” a source told The Sun, describing a personal phone call between the two. When they communicated, it was never directly and always through a third party. So the manager calling him was a big step for him, and he appreciated it.
“The manager asked how he was feeling physically and mentally and expressed his relief that the charges had been dropped.
“He felt it was the right thing to do to contact Mason.
“However, he made it clear that the club, not him, will decide whether Mason can play for United again.”
Manchester United are keen to take its time before making a decision on Greenwood’s future, knowing that allowing him to return would subject them to intense scrutiny.
The Red Devils are conducting their own internal investigation as part of their decision, which could come at any time between now and the season’s end.
“Manchester United notes the Crown Prosecution Service’s decision that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped,” the club said in a statement released last week.
“The club will now conduct its own process before determining the next steps. We will not comment further until that process is completed.”
According to reports, some of United’s senior players are opposed to Greenwood’s return.
Following his initial arrest in early 2022, a number of the club’s first-team squad unfollowed Greenwood on social media platforms.
Greenwood’s current contract, which is worth around £100,000 per week, is set to expire in June 2025.
Nike has since dropped the England international, and he was also removed from the video game FIFA last year.
Nike confirmed earlier this week that they had no plans to re-establish their former partnership with Greenwood after the charges were dropped.
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