MASON Greenwood has been left off Manchester United’s squad for their pre-season tour to the United States, according to reports.
The striker, 21, has not played since January last year when he was arrested after allegations of physical and sexual abuse.
Greenwood is still suspended by United, despite charges including attempted rape being dropped against him.
He was recently pictured at a private training session with Utd teammate Anthony Elanga.
But now the club’s pre-season has apparently kicked off without him – sparking fears his career is “in tatters”.
According to The Athletic, he is not in the squad for the club’s pre-season tour.
It comes as Greenwood is reportedly being used as a pawn by Manchester United to net a striker rumoured to be worth £50m.
Serie A club Atalanta are interested in signing the forward on loan, according to Manchester Evening News.
Manchester United football director John Murtough has reportedly held talks with the Italian side as part of a deal to sign Rasmus Hojlund.
The Danish striker scored nine goals in 32 games last season and is one of United’s targets this summer.
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The Red Devils believe they can net 20-year-old Hojlund for around £50 million, the Telegraph reported.
But sources close to Atalanta played down the prospect of a move for Greenwood – with Manchester United not proactively exploring other loan options, The Athletic reports.
Greenwood has not played since January last year when he was arrested after a woman made allegations against him on social media.
He was due to stand trial in November accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
The charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Manager Erik ten Hag and the majority of the first team are open to the idea of bringing the star striker back.
But United’s women’s team is understood to have reservations while sponsors are also concerned about being linked to the footballer.
The player joined the club aged just six and rose through the ranks to land himself a regular spot on the first team.
In 2019, he became the youngest footballer to play for United in the Champions League when he took to the pitch aged 17.
Greenwood has made 129 appearances in total for the Red Devils and netted 35 goals.
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In 2020, England manager Gareth Southgate gave the striker his first cap when Greenwood came off the bench in a 1-0 win against Iceland.
Greenwood missed out on last year’s Three Lions’ World Cup campaign in Qatar as the case went to court.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
