MASON Greenwood “could play for Manchester United again” after attempted rape and assault charges against him were dropped.
It comes despite pressure from sponsors and United’s women’s team, according to insiders.
The Premier League club has rejected offers made for the 21-year-old by Turkish teams, The Athletic reports.
It signals the club could be paving the way for his return.
And Greenwood is willing to “run through a brick wall to be back playing for Man United”, sources claim.
Greenwood hasn’t played professionally since January 2022 when the Red Devils beat West Ham at Old Trafford.
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He was arrested later that month and charged in October with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour.
Those charges were dropped last month, with the Crown Prosecution Service blaming the withdrawal of key witnesses and discovery of new material.
New developments meant there was “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction”, it added.
Greenwood released a statement after the decision, which read: “I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support. There will be no further comment.”
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But Greenwood still faces an internal club investigation over whether to keep him with Man Utd or part ways.
The star has a £70,000-a-week contract with the club until 2025 but he won’t return to the game until the probe ends.
The squad is allegedly “split” over the player’s return, according to The Times.
It is believed the United manager, Erik ten Hag, has spoken to Greenwood to check up on his wellbeing.
A club spokesman said: “Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped.
“The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps. We will not make any further comment until that process is complete.”
The United academy graduate, who has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for the club, is currently training away from Carrington.
It comes after Greenwood recently learned his partner is pregnant with his first child.
The couple is “looking forward” to the summer arrival.
It is understood Greewood could face a TV interview as part of a “phased approach” to his comeback.
And he has held face-to-face meetings with Man Utd bosses since the charges against him were dropped.
Meanwhile, a top sports lawyer said Greenwood may have lost “millions” after being dropped by major sponsors Nike.
A PR expert added that any club taking him on, should United let him go, would take on a huge financial risk.
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Despite this, a Champions League team have made “enquiries” over a possible transfer, while Greenwood himself was reported to be eyeing a move abroad to restart his career if he’s dropped by his current club.
GREENWOOD’S TIMELINE
MARCH 2019: Greenwood makes his debut for United. He has gone on to make 129 appearances, scoring 35 goals.
SEPTEMBER 2020: Wins his first senior England cap as a sub in a 1-0 away win over Iceland, left. Two days later he is withdrawn from the squad for breaching Covid guidelines by leaving the part of the hotel the squad was in.
FEBRUARY 2021: United announce the striker has signed a contract until June 2025, with the option to extend it for another 12 months.
JANUARY 2022: Held on suspicion of rape and assault. United suspend him on full pay.
FEBRUARY 2022: Sponsors including Nike end relationship with him.
OCTOBER 2022: Greenwood is arrested for breach of bail. He is charged the following day with attempted rape, assault and controlling behaviour and due to appear at Manchester magistrates court. Trial set for November 2023.
FEBRUARY 2 2023: CPS announces it has dropped all charges. United announce they will hold their own investigation.
FEBRUARY 2023: The Sun reports he is due to become a dad.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
