MASON GREENWOOD has been offered a football lifeline — by his former boss Jose Mourinho at Roma.
Mourinho reached out to the troubled Manchester United star over joining the Serie A club on loan.
Greenwood is still suspended as United chiefs investigate his conduct following his January 2022 arrest to “determine the next steps”.
Greenwood, 21, was charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault.
But police confirmed in February that Greenwood “no longer faces criminal proceedings” as the Crown Prosecution Service had dropped all charges.
The England forward believes a fresh start at United is unlikely, despite manager Erik ten Hag and several team-mates offering him support.
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Mourinho has contacted the player to offer him a second chance, if United decide to send him on loan or cancel his deal.
A source said: “Jose rang Mason’s dad and also spoke with Mason. He told him the best way out of his current situation is to start playing football — and that eventually all the hassle will fade away.
“Mason was pleased that he got in touch and it has lifted his spirits.
“He wants to get back playing and is just waiting for United to tell him what the future holds.”
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Other Italian clubs Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan have also been linked with the player.
But Mourinho has a strong bond with Greenwood after giving him a chance as Red Devils boss.
In 2018, Mourinho picked Greenwood as a 16-year-old to go on their pre-season tour of the US.
Ex-United ace Nicky Butt revealed Mourinho identified Greenwood as a future first-team star — at 15.
Butt, who worked at United when Mourinho was boss from 2016 to 2018, said: “I was his academy boss so I wondered what it would be like.
“The reality was that he was approachable and friendly. He was single-minded and selfish — and that’s what the best managers are.
“He asked, ‘Who is this kid Greenwood?’ when Mason was 15. He said, ‘Bring him to train with us’, and I said, ‘We can’t, because he’s at school and there are rules’.”
Former Red Devils defender Chris Smalling — who played with Greenwood — left Old Trafford for Roma on loan in 2019.
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The 33-year-old has just signed a two-year deal to stay there.
And ex-Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham also plays for the Italians.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
