It’s now probable that no decision will be made over Mason Greenwood’s future by Manchester United until the September international break.
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Greenwood, 21, has been the focus of an internal United investigation since February, when the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) dropped its case against him for attempted rape, assault, and coercive control after key witnesses withdrew their cooperation, concluding there was “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.”
All of the claimed charges were rejected by Greenwood.
The club had previously stated that it will decide on Greenwood before the start of the Premier League season, but the timing has shifted because they now want to share the results of their internal inquiry with important parties. They said that this also applies to United’s women’s squad and fan council.
Online trolls harassed United’s England players before and during their World Cup quarterfinal match against Colombia during this postponement. Users have asked Katie Zelem, Ella Toone, and Mary Earps to permit Greenwood’s return in reaction to posts from United’s official women’s account regarding the match, which England won 2-1. Players might see the messages.
The club, however, insists that chief executive Richard Arnold will make the decision on Greenwood and that it will be based on the facts discovered during the club investigation rather than the viewpoints of any member of the women’s squad. It is unclear how exactly the probe is being conducted, what input the Glazer family has into the decision-making process, or why it has taken this long. The women’s team will be informed, ideally as a group, and feedback will be sought, according to the club, but their thoughts won’t control what happens.
The fan advisory board, a group of fans who are consulted by the team on important matters every three months, operates in a similar manner.
The fact that England has the final or third-place play-off set for August 19 and 20, respectively, and that players are then anticipated to go on vacation, raises the possibility of a postponement until the first week of September, when club football takes a break, making it difficult to coordinate communications effectively. If United can coordinate the communication choreography, the decision might be made sooner.
Ten Hag said that Greenwood had voiced his concerns to the team during the club’s preseason tour of the United States earlier this summer, but Greenwood was not present. He is reportedly open to the idea of Greenwood joining United’s roster again.
On the first day of United’s summer tour, Ten Hag said in New Jersey, “Of course, I have said my ideas and beliefs but it’s a club choice. We must all acknowledge that.
On Monday night, a group of fans plans to demonstrate against the idea of Greenwood being reintegrated at United’s Premier League opener against Wolves.
The club’s last game with Greenwood was in January 2022.
