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    Major Mason Greenwood update as Man Utd rule out making decision on striker’s return until ‘set date’

    MANCHESTER United have ruled out making a decision on Mason Greenwood’s return to football until a “set date”.The striker, 21, has not played for the club since he was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control in January last year.
    Greenwood in action for Man UnitedCredit: Getty
    Greenwood has not played for the club since January last yearCredit: Getty
    He was charged with the offences in October, before the criminal investigation was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February.
    Greenwood has been the subject of an internal probe since the charges were dropped.
    Man United had intended to provide an update on his future prior to the start of the season.
    But the Old Trafford club is now not expected to announce a decision until the September international break.
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    It is understood the club wishes to explain the findings of its internal investigation to stakeholders, resulting in the delay.
    This is said to include United’s women’s team and its fan advisory board, The Athletic reports.
    It comes after it was reported that United players Mary Earps and midfielders Ella Toone and Katie Zelem, all of whom are currently playing for the Lionesses, will be consulted before a decision is made.
    Club bosses are said to have been involved in conversations with their female first team, Greenwood and his family, the BBC reports.
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    But the final decision rests with chief executive Richard Arnold, the club insists, and will be made on the facts established by the club’s own probe, rather than opinions.
    The fan advisory board, a group of supporters consulted on major issues involving the club, will similarly be approached for feedback.
    However, communication with the women’s team may prove difficult given the Lionesses so far successful World Cup bid.
    England reached the semi-final stage on Saturday and will play a further two games before returning home.
    The final is scheduled for August 20, should England reach it, while the third-place playoff is a day earlier.
    During the men’s international break, England are scheduled to play Ukraine in Poland on September 9 before travelling to play Scotland at Hampden Park three days later.
    United last week released provisional squad numbers for the new season – with Greenwood omitted.
    Last season he wore No11 on his back – but that number as well as the player himself did not appear on the list.
    And last week The Sun revealed snaps of Greenwood looking relaxed as he trained on a public pitch.
    His dad and coach, Andrew Greenwood, instructed him and cradled the player’s newborn as he ran through shooting drills with pals.
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    United fans will tonight protest against his return to action as they host Wolves in their Premier League opener.
    One group, called Female Fans Against Mason Greenwood’s Return, issued a full statement on the matter earlier this week
    Greenwood dribbles with the ball during a game against West Ham in January last yearCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd fans to protest against Mason Greenwood’s potential return during first match of season today

    MANCHESTER United fans will tonight protest against Mason Greenwood’s potential return before the team’s first home game.The 21-year-old striker is rumoured to be returning to the team after charges of attempted rape and coercive behaviour, as well as assault, against him were dropped earlier this year.
    A group of Manchester United fans are planning a protest against a potential Mason Greenwood return
    His fate at the club remains uncertain
    He has not played for United since he was arrested over the allegations in January last year.
    But fuming fans are set to protest at tonight’s Premier League curtain-raiser against Wolverhampton.
    One group, called Female Fans Against Mason Greenwood’s Return, issued a full statement on the matter earlier this week.
    The recently-founded group wrote: “We are calling on the club to do the right thing. For their fans, for their employees, for the millions of young boys and girls across the world who look up to our players as heroes and role models, and the millions of women whose lives have been blighted by violence and abuse.
    “To the decision-makers at the club, remember; this goes beyond football. This decision is a reflection of you, your morals; of who you are as individuals, and as humans. 
    “Will you stand with abusers, or with the abused? History will judge your choices. Make sure you choose well.”
    They concluded by saying: “We female fans of Man United are demanding that the club abide by their duty of care towards their female fans and employees and demonstrate a zero tolerance approach towards acts of violence against women by refusing to bring Mason Greenwood back into the squad.”
    While the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case against him in February due to “key witnesses” withdrawing and “new material coming to light”, he has remained suspended while the club concludes its own internal investigation.
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    Last week, Greenwood was snapped training in a park as his dad Andrew watched on, holding the footballer’s newborn baby girl in his arms.
    The Sun exclusively revealed that top-level discussions about a possible return to Old Trafford are nearly concluded, while Greenwood has the backing of his teammates and manager Erik ten Hag.
    However, he suffered a major blow to his hopes as he was excluded from the team’s provisional squad list.
    He was seen training in a park last week More

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    Ex-Man City star Benjamin Mendy celebrates new club’s draw against PSG as he rebuilds career after being cleared of rape

    EX-Man City star Benjamin Mendy celebrated his new club’s draw against Paris Saint-Germain last night.The France defender was pitch side for FC Lorient in his bid to rebuild his career after he was cleared of rape and released by Man City.
    Mendy was spotted pitch side as he watched his new club drawCredit: Getty
    It comes after he wasn’t named in the squad for the match against PSGCredit: Getty
    The defender was cleared of rape last monthCredit: AFP
    The French international, 29, was accused of attacking two women during lockdown-busting parties at his Cheshire mansion.
    Mendy then found himself at the centre of a police investigation which lasted for nearly three years.
    But last month, jurors unanimously acquitted the footballer following a retrial.
    Mendy was cleared of one count of rape and one count of attempted rape after three hours of deliberation.
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    He wept as a juror read out the verdict at Chester Crown Court.
    The former Man City star was dropped by the club just one month prior to being found not guilty.
    He has since returned to France after signing for FC Lorient – a team who play in Ligue 1.
    And on Saturday night, he was spotted watching on after not being named in the squad for the match against PSG.
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    The France defender, on the bench when his country beat Croatia in the 2018 World Cup final, donned a black cap, black jacket and white T-shirt.
    As the club started their new season with a draw, Mendy cheered on his teammates alongside football staff.
    Mendy’s return to the sport comes days after his £5million mansion in the UK was put up for sale in his bid to avoid bankruptcy.
    The World Cup winner has put the gated property in Cheshire on the market – while also claiming up to £10million in unpaid wages from City for time he spent suspended from playing.
    Mendy signed a six-year £28million contract with Man City, which included an annual average salary of £4,680,000, in 2017.
    He managed just 75 appearance in all competitions across six seasons.
    Mendy celebrated the draw on Saturday nightCredit: Getty
    Mendy was dropped by City last monthCredit: PA More

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    France international Wissam Ben Yedder charged with rape after two women ‘sexually assaulted after night out’

    A FRANCE international has been charged with rape after two women were allegedly sexually assaulted on a night out. AS Monaco forward Wissam Ben Yedder and his brother are both facing a probe by prosecutors in the French city of Nice.
    Wissam Ben Yedder has made 19 caps for France – with his last being in 2022Credit: Getty
    Both men are charged with “rape, attempted rape and sexual assault” over alleged acts committed on the Cote d’Azur last month, officials said on Friday.
    Ben Yedder has been placed under judicial supervision and had to pay bail of 900,000 euros (£776,000).
    In July, public prosecutor Xavier Bonhomme confirmed “the existence of two allegations of rape, from two victims, targeting two people”.
    According to radio station France Info, two women, aged 19 and 20, accused Ben Yedder and his younger brother, of having “forced them into sexual acts” after a night out.

    Ben Yedder’s brother has also been indicted on the same charges.
    The 32-year-old Wissam Ben Yedder has won 19 caps for France but last played international football in June 2022.
    He was named for on the standby list for France’s world cup winning squad in 2018.
    Ben Yedder, who previously played for Toulouse and Sevilla, has scored 98 goals for Monaco since joining the principality club in 2019.
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    He was sold to the club from Sevilla for nearly £35million.
    And he was the joint Ligue 1 top scorer on his first season back alongside PSG’s Kylian Mbappe as he found the net 18 times.
    The player was present at training with Monaco on Friday ahead of their Ligue 1 season opener against Clermont on Sunday.
    AS Monaco star Ben Yedder has been charged with rapeCredit: AFP
    He was the Ligue 1 joint top scorer in 2019Credit: Reuters More

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    Sunderland star Jack Diamond pleads not guilty to rape and sex assault

    SUNDERLAND star Jack Diamond has today denied rape and will now stand trial. The footballer, 23, is accused of attacking a woman on two separate occasions at a home in Tyne and Wear.
    Jack Diamond has today denied rapeCredit: Getty
    He had previously denied sexual assault at a different hearing, and has now pleaded not guilty to rape.
    Diamond will now stand trial in the Newcastle Crown Court on January 2 next year.
    The player, of Fatfield, Washington, had his conditional bail extended.
    Lincoln City, where he had been on loan, terminated his loan stay.
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    Important reason behind Man Utd’s decision to delay Mason Greenwood announcement is revealed

    MANCHESTER Utd has revealed the important reason it is delaying an announcement about Mason Greenwood’s future. The England striker hasn’t played for Utd since he was arrested for attempted rape, assault and coercive control in January last year.
    The announcement around Mason Greenwood’s future at Man Utd has been delayedCredit: PA
    He was charged in October but the charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
    Greenwood had been suspended by while Utd undergoes its own investigation.
    Fans had been expecting the club to have made a decision by now, but it has now been revealed why there’s a delay.
    Utd is said to still be consulting with sponsors and football staff before it makes the announcement.
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    The club is said to be in talks with the entire department – including the women’s team.
    It comes after boss Erik ten Hag today gave an update – but didn’t mention Greenwood once.
    He spoke about the team’s first game of the season against Wolves on Monday night, as well as saying Harry Kane’s impending move to Bayern Munich was a “miss for the Premier League”.
    He added: “We are very confident but also I want to mention pre-season doesn’t say anything, it’s friendly football.
    Most read in Football
    “Though I never take a game as a friendly, it’s friendly in the sense of going.
    “In the league, going for the points it’s a different approach for both teams.
    “We are ready to go for the fight, the team is really energetic and we worked really good for pre-season and we go for it.”
    It comes after The Sun revealed snaps on Tuesday of Greenwood looking relaxed as he trained on a public pitch.
    His dad and coach, Andrew Greenwood, instructed him and cradled the player’s newborn as he ran through shooting drills with pals.
    In June he worked on his close control and shooting in a 90-minute session on an £85-an-hour pitch.
    It was the first time he had been pictured at a training session since his arrest.
    He had grown his hair since he was last pictured — and was not wearing Nike boots after the firm ended their sponsorship deal. More

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    Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag avoids commenting on Mason Greenwood as star striker’s future hangs in the balance

    MAN Utd boss Erik ten Hag has today avoided commenting on Mason Greenwood as the star’s future hangs in the balance. The England striker hasn’t played for Utd since he was arrested for attempted rape, assault and coercive control in January last year.
    Erik ten Hag is today giving an update on Man UtdCredit: Getty
    It comes as Utd fans wait to hear what Mason Greenwood’s football future holdsCredit: Getty
    He was charged in October but the charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
    The Man Utd boss this afternoon gave an update on the club, with eager fans waiting to hear what the future holds for Greenwood.
    However, ten Hag did not comment on the suspended striker – nor was he asked about him.
    The club is expected to soon make a decision on his future and it was today revealed why the announcement was being delayed.
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    Utd manager ten Hag spoke about the team’s first game of the season against Wolves on Monday night, as well as saying Harry Kane’s impending move to Bayern Munich was a “miss for the Premier League”.
    He added: “We are very confident but also I want to mention pre-season doesn’t say anything, it’s friendly football.
    “Though I never take a game as a friendly, it’s friendly in the sense of going.
    “In the league, going for the points it’s a different approach for both teams.
    Most read in Football
    “We are ready to go for the fight, the team is really energetic and we worked really good for pre-season and we go for it.”
    The United boss also said the club was happy with their new striker Rasmus Højlund.
    He said: “First of all, we have chosen a striker and we are really happy with our choice.
    “He’s [Kane] a great striker, clear, a goal maker and apart from that he has all the conditions and abilities what you want to see in a striker. It’s a miss for the Premier League, absolutely.”
    It comes after The Sun revealed snaps on Tuesday of Greenwood looking relaxed as he trained on a public pitch.
    His dad and coach, Andrew Greenwood, instructed him and cradled the player’s newborn as he ran through shooting drills with pals.
    In June he worked on his close control and shooting in a 90-minute session on an £85-an-hour pitch.
    It was the first time he had been pictured at a training session since his arrest.
    He had grown his hair since he was last pictured — and was not wearing Nike boots after the firm ended their sponsorship deal.
    Greenwood joined Utd 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.
    It comes as manager ten Hag and the majority of the first team have suggested they were open to the idea of bringing the footballer back.
    But United’s women’s team were understood to have reservations, while sponsors were left concerned about being linked to the footballer.
    A source said previously: “All the players believe he deserves a second chance because he’s innocent in the eyes of the law.
    “He didn’t have the opportunity to clear his name in court because the charges were dropped, so the players feel like he has been left in limbo.
    Read More on The Sun
    “They know it will be difficult but they are willing to support him through it and protect him.
    “Some of the younger players came through the academy with him so there’s a loyalty to him.” More

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    Blow for Mason Greenwood as Man Utd release provisional squad numbers list… and he’s NOT on it

    MASON Greenwood has suffered a blow as Man United release their provisional squad numbers list – and he’s NOT on it. The striker, 21, has been suspended by the Premier League club since January 2022 and not kicked a ball for them since his arrest.
    Mason Greenwood has suffered a blow as Man United release their provisional squad numbers list – and he’s NOT on itCredit: AFP
    Greenwood was later charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour, before the charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
    And Utd are expected to make their decision on his future in the coming days.
    Greenwood could have his contract terminated, be put back into the first team, loaned out or sold.
    It comes after The Sun revealed snaps on Tuesday of Greenwood looking relaxed as he trained on a public pitch.
    READ MORE ON GREENWOOD
    His dad and coach, Andrew Greenwood, instructed him and cradled the player’s newborn as he ran through shooting drills with pals.
    And today the club released provisional squad numbers for the new season.
    Football fans are convinced the baller has already made a decision on his football future.
    Speculation online is growing with fans suspecting the player will move to the Jamaican national team after he was spotted in the kit.
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    It comes as a row over Greenwood’s future at the club was sparked.
    Manager Erik ten Hag and the majority of the first team have suggested they were open to the idea of bringing the Greenwood back.
    But United’s women’s team were understood to have reservations, while sponsors were left concerned about being linked to the footballer.
    A source said previously: “All the players believe he deserves a second chance because he’s innocent in the eyes of the law.
    “He didn’t have the opportunity to clear his name in court because the charges were dropped, so the players feel like he has been left in limbo.
    “They know it will be difficult but they are willing to support him through it, and protect him.
    “Some of the younger players came through the academy with him so there’s a loyalty to him.
    “They know he’s made mistakes but the lads who’ve spoken to him say he’s grown up a lot in the past 18 months and will come back a lot wiser.”
    It is not the first time Greenwood has been spotted training outside of Carrington.
    In June he worked on his close control and shooting in a 90-minute session on an £85-an-hour pitch.
    It was the first time he had been pictured at a training session since his arrest.
    He had grown his hair since he was last pictured — and was not wearing Nike boots after the firm ended their sponsorship deal.
    Greenwood joined Utd aged just six and rose through the ranks to land himself a regular spot on the first team.
    Read More on The Sun
    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.
    Man United provisional squad numbers
    2. Victor Lindelof
    5. Harry Maguire
    6. Lisandro Martinez
    7. Mason Mount
    8. Bruno Fernandes
    9. Anthony Martial
    10. Marcus Rashford
    12. Tyrell Malacia
    14. Cristian Eriksen
    16. Amad Diallo
    17. Fred
    18. Casemiro
    19. Raphael Varane
    20. Diogo Dalot
    21. Antony
    22. Tom Heaton (Goalkeeper)
    23. Luke Shaw
    24. Andre Onana (Goalkeeper)
    25. Jadon Sancho
    26. Dean Henderson (Goalkeeper)
    28. Facundo Pellistri
    29. Aaron Wan-Bissaka
    33. Brandon Williams
    34. Donny van de Beek
    37. Kobbie Mainoo
    39. Scott McTominay
    49. Alejandro Garnacho More