Mason Greenwood’s return to football at Manchester United has been the subject of many conversations lately. The 21-year-old Englishman has been unavailable for selection since January 2022 due to being under investigation. While some Manchester United fans have been passionately clamouring for his return, others believe Greenwood does not deserve a second chance.
The decision to bring Mason Greenwood back is entirely up to the club. While internal investigations into the allegations were initiated several months ago, the club is yet to reach a final decision. However, a lengthy statement has been released regarding Greenwood’s return.
Manchester United release official statement regarding Mason Greenwood future
According to Mirror, Mason Greenwood was arrested and charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in January 2022. Since then, he has not trained or played a game for United. However, in February 2023, those charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), but Mason Greenwood has not been reintegrated into the team.
Unsurprisingly, Greenwood was not re-admitted to the Manchester United team despite all charges being dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). He is still an employee of the club, and the club needs to ensure that he is innocent of all the charges against him. The England forward still has two years left on his contract, with a club option of 12 months. Hence, the process is entirely worth it.
To ascertain his innocence, the Manchester United board and the special committee for the investigation have since launched a thorough internal investigation into the matter. Reports by the Athletic initially suggested that a decision would be reached and an announcement made on the first match-day of the season, but only an announcement was made on the club’s website, to the effect that a decision is yet to be reached.
Club statement.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 16, 2023
The statement read: “Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation. Responsibility ultimately rests with the Chief Executive Officer. Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders.”
Englishman reportedly backed by Erik Ten Hag, John Murtough
Many inquiries have been made, questions asked, and data collected regarding Mason Greenwood’s charges. Despite collecting all necessary information, the investigative committee made it clear that a decision for Mason Greenwood’s return rests with the ‘Chief Executive Officer’ who has yet to announce his decision.
According to Mirror, some supporter groups protest Greenwood’s return, saying he should not be reintegrated into the squad, but a more prominent sect of Manchester United supporters are in disagreement as they believe Greenwood should be allowed back on the team.
Erik Ten Hag has also hinted at the crucial role Greenwood could play if he returns to the team, but it is not up to him, John Murtough, or the fans to make this crucial decision.
John Murtough and Ten Hag are supportive of Mason Greenwood’s reintegration into the #mufc squad [@TheAthleticFC] pic.twitter.com/v4BHx3EfXs
— utdreport (@utdreport) August 16, 2023
Reporters asked Erik Ten Hag for his opinion on the matter during United’s pre-season tour of the United States. The Dutchman said: “Of course, I have said my ideas and opinions, but it’s a club decision. We all have to accept that. I can’t say so much about it, but what I say is I shared my opinion about it, so let’s see what’s going to happen and what the decision will be.”
Are you eager to see Mason Greenwood play for the Red Devils once again? Make sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments section.