Explainers

MANCHESTER United have given fans an update on Mason Greenwood’s future.The striker, 21, has not played for United since being arrested in January last year.
Manchester United fans have been given an update about Mason GreenwoodCredit: Getty
Fans have slammed his rumoured comeback
He was later charged with attempted rape, assault and coercive control, before the charges were dropped in February.
Greenwood has been waiting to discover his fate at United since, with the club remaining tight-lipped over their own internal investigation.
Here’s everything you need to know about the latest Mason Greenwood update.
Will Mason Greenwood play for Manchester United again?
Mason Greenwood is expected to be reinstated at Manchester United as early as next week, The Sun can reveal.
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The striker, 21, has been suspended since January last year after his arrest for rape and sexual assault.
But after 18-months on the sideline club bosses are now ready to hand him a second chance at Old Trafford.
A final decision will be made over the next 48 hours by United’s chief executive Richard Arnold.
But the announcement will be delayed until after the Lionesses World Cup final against Spain on Sunday.
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A source said: “This has been a long and difficult process for everyone involved, but it’s nearing the end.
“The internal investigation is over and Mason is likely to be reinstated at Old Trafford. 
“He’s made no secret of his desire to to get back to doing what he does best.
“He’s already got the backing of the players and manager Erik ten Hag. He’s just waiting for the green light.
“The club will communicate its decision as early as Tuesday after the women’s World Cup final.”
It remains unclear if Greenwood will return to first team training or be sent out on a season long loan.
Sources said Greenwood was against a move abroad and United are reluctant to loan him to a Premier League rival.
One option being considered is a rehabilitation via United’s under-23s or the reserves, another source said.
The club has not consulted its England women’s players, Ella Toone and Mary Earps, who are preparing for the biggest game of their lives.
Bosses are keen to avoid any distractions ahead of their winner takes all match against La Rojas in Sydney.
United said it had completed “a thorough investigation” into the allegations against Greenwood.
In a statement the club added: “This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain.
“We have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case.”
It said the welfare of his alleged victim had been at the forefront of its internal probe.
But the statement went on: “We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner. 
“The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future. 
“Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation. 
“Responsibility ultimately rests with the Chief Executive Officer. 
“Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders. 
“This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain. 
“We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process.”
For now, Greenwood, who has been suspended on full pay of £75,000-a-week, continues to train alone.
He is following drills drawn up and overseen by United’s coaching staff but delivered by personal trainers at an £85-a-year public pitch.
United kicked-off their new Premier League season with a 1-0 win against Wolves on Monday – with some fans protesting against his imminent return.
But club officials – including his teammates, coaches and manager – are keen for the saga to be brought to an end.
If he is reinstated it would herald a remarkable comeback for a player once valued at around £50million and regarded as one of the hottest young talents in European football.
After his arrest, fans with replica shirts bearing his name were told they could exchange them for free and the club removed all merchandise related to the player from its website and megastore.
Nike, which signed a boot deal with the player in 2020, also ended its multi-million pound sponsorship deal with Greenwood while EA Sports removed the player from its iconic FIFA 22 video game.
His last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham, which United won 1-0.
The England ace was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
But prosecutors withdrew the case on February 2 after his alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
Greenwood hoped it would lead to an Old Trafford return but was told he would have to continue to wait until the internal probe was conducted.
How many times has Mason Greenwood played for Manchester United?
Mason Greenwood has made 129 appearances for Manchester United’s first team since his debut in 2018.
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He has only played once for England, in a September 2020 away win against Iceland.
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