Man United DELAY making a decision on Mason Greenwood’s return because they want to
Man United DELAY making a decision on Mason Greenwood’s return because they want to consult their Women’s World Cup players – and saga could now drag on into next week
Manchester United have shelved an announcement on Mason Greenwood’s future until after they kick off the new season.
United were set to reveal Greenwood’s fate following a six-month investigation before Erik ten Hag’s side face Wolves at Old Trafford on Monday night.
However, it’s understood that the club want to consult with sponsors and members of their women’s team currently playing at the World Cup before making a formal announcement.
Sources had said that the investigation – launched after the Crown Prosecution dropped all charges of attempted rape and assault against Greenwood in February – is complete and the findings have been handed to chief executive Richard Arnold.
Greenwood, 21, is hoping to return to the club after being suspended since his arrest in January 2022. He has been training away from Carrington but his data is being sent to United’s fitness staff.
Man United will delay their decision over the future of Mason Greenwood due to the Women’s World Cup
The club will look consult a number of their players currently Down Under, including Lionesses Mary Earps (left) and Ella Toone (centre)
France’s Aissatou Tounkara (centre left) and Estelle Cascarino (centre right) will also be consulted as part of the internal review
It’s understood that the club are now entering a consultation phase with stakeholders, sponsors and women’s players to communicate the decision before making it public.
That was meant to happen before Monday’s game against Wolves but sources say that they will not be held to an arbitrary deadline.
Mail Sport reported in February in the wake of Greenwood’s dropped charges that some of the players in the club’s women’s team were said to be ‘deeply uncomfortable’ about the prospect of the forward’s reintegration to the first team.
At the time, Manchester United’s Women’s Supporters’ Club founder Natalie Burrell shared that she did not wish to see Greenwood in the famous red shirt of United ever again.
Some members of the men’s team reportedly would support his return to the squad, with a senior source sharing that they believed he deserves ‘a second chance’.
Greenwood’s current deal is set to keep him at the club until 2025, with the option of another year available, and a loan move has also been floated alongside a return to Erik ten Hag’s starting XI.
The 21-year-old has been training privately as his club makes their decision on reintergration
Erik ten Hag could decide on a full phased reintegration or sending the player out on loan should United keep him on at Old Trafford
Meanwhile a supporters’ group plans to protest United’s first match of the season vs Wolves
The group released a statement on Friday against the possibility of Greenwood’s return
On Friday, a group of Man United supporters announced that they planned to protest the possibility of his reintegration ahead of the match against Wolves.
A banner is said to have been prepared for display at Old Trafford reading: ‘Female Fans Demand No Greenwood Return – End Violence Against Women.’
The group also shared a statement to X (formerly known as Twitter), stating: ‘The situation is clear – taking Greenwood back legitimises and normalises sexual assault and domestic abuse.
‘It tells other players, and the men and boys that look up to them, that abusing women is acceptable, without consequence, and won’t affect you or derail your career.’
