MASON Greenwood is expected to be reinstated at Man Utd as early as next week.
The striker, 21, was suspended by the Premier League club in January 2022 and has not kicked a ball for them since his arrest.
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).
Now, after 18-months on the sideline, club bosses are 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 – with a decision set to be made as early as Tuesday.
Keep up with the latest on Mason Greenwood with our live blog below…
- By Henry Moore
How many times has Greenwood played for Manchester United?
Greenwood has made 129 appearances for Manchester United’s first team since his debut in 2018.
He has only played once for England, in a September 2020 away win against Iceland.
Manager Gareth Southgate sent Greenwood home after he and Phil Foden broke quarantine rules at their hotel.
- By Henry Moore
Mason Greenwood training alone
For now, Mason 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.
- By Henry Moore
Options for Mason
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.
- By Henry Moore
What have sponsors said?
Manchester United sponsors Adidas and Ecolab have weighed in on earlier reports around the upcoming decision.
Both emphasised that they played no role in the outcome of the investigation and that whether or not Greenwood will return is a matter for the club.
Kit partner Adidas told the Athletic: “After inaccurate and speculative reporting within the media, it’s important for us to reiterate that Adidas plays no role in any decisions made regarding any member of the team or staff at the club.
“Decisions are exclusively between the club and their employees.”
Ecolab added: “Any question relating to the players and the operations of the club we would refer to Manchester United.
“We are aware of the topic and are in contact with the club.
“We have no comment to provide at this time.”
- By Henry Moore
Man Utd ‘planned to record Mason Greenwood video explaining decision to bring striker back’
Manchester United chief executive Richard Arnold planned to release a video explaining exactly why Mason Greenwood was being brought back, it is claimed.
The club was reportedly aiming to release the video message to staff and fans on August 4 announcing the striker's return.
Richard Arnold, CEO, would have outlined the plan for how Greenwood would be re-integrated into the team, The Athletic reports.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
MASON VID Man Utd chief ‘planned to record vid explaining decision to bring Greenwood back’
- By Henry Moore
What has Greenwood himself said?
Greenwood has stayed largely silent publicly about his case.
Other than the announcement of his daughter’s birth last month, he has not posted on Instagram since before his suspension.
However, he did break his silence to release a statement when the charges against him were dropped earlier this year.
At the time he said: “I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support.”
He has not commented on the matter since.
- By Henry Moore
'A long and difficult process'
Mason Greenwood is expected to be reinstated at Manchester United as early as next week, we can reveal.
The striker, 21, has been suspended since January last year after his arrest for rape and sexual assault.
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."
- By Henry Moore
Man Utd to reveal within days that Mason Greenwood WILL be welcomed back into the fold
Mason Greenwood is expected to be reinstated at Manchester United as early as next week, we can reveal.
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.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
GRASS IS GREENER Man Utd WILL welcome Mason Greenwood back into the fold next week
- By Henry Moore
Could Greenwood be back for the Manchester Derby?
With a return all but confirmed, fans minds will surely turn to what sort of impact Greenwood could have on the pitch in his comeback.
Having not played a minute of competitive football for nearly two years, it’s more than possible the striker is a bit rusty.
United are set to face Manchester City at Old Trafford in their next meeting and a home derby could be a baptism by fire for a returning Greenwood.
The date of the fixture is officially yet to be confirmed, but it is currently slate for October 28.
That means United only have eight Premier League fixtures between now and then.
With one of those, Saturday’s match against Spurs, likely to kick off before Greenwood’s future is decided, that leaves just a handful of games for him to earn a place in the side.
Even if an immediate reintroduction to the first team is the way the club choose to go, it’s a big ask for Greenwood to be match fit by the big clash.
- By Henry Moore
Greenwood opposed move abroad
It remains unclear if Greenwood will return to first team training or be sent out on a season-long loan.
Sources said he 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.
- By Henry Moore
Why was Greenwood suspended?
Greenwood was suspended by United after being arrested last January on suspicion of rape and assault.
The arrest came after an audio clip was released on social media which was alleged to be a recording of the reported attack.
He was then charged in October with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and coercive and controlling behaviour.
The charges were dropped in February of this year.
The Crown Prosecution Service after “key witnesses” withdrew and “new information” came to light.
However, he has remained sidelined while bosses at Old Trafford conducted their own internal investigation.
- By Jacob Jaffa
Club statement in full
"Following the dropping of all charges against Mason Greenwood in February 2023, Manchester United has conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations made against him.
"This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain, and we have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case.
"Throughout this process, the welfare and perspective of the alleged victim has been central to the club’s inquiries, and we respect her right to lifelong anonymity.
"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.
The club asked for patience as officials "work through final stages of this carefully considered process".
- By Jacob Jaffa
Man Utd chief breaks her silence
On Wednesday, a Man Utd chief broke her silence over Mason Greenwood.
Collette Roche, Manchester United’s chief operating officer, said: "We’ve done a really detailed and thorough internal investigation and we’ve asked as many people as we can around what happened and try to understand it beyond the original investigation done by the police.
"You’d expect us to engage with people who were relevant in terms of stakeholder groups.
"And now we just need to make the decision. That decision is firmly a decision that’s on us.”
- By Jacob Jaffa
Greenwood didn't make the lineup for Everton friendly
Despite news of his return being on the horizon, Greenwood was not included in the lineup for today's friendly against Everton.
He was also omitted from the club's squad number list for the upcoming season.
United beat the Toffees 2-0 in the behind-closed-doors match with forgotten star Donny van de Beek making a rare start.
A Scott McTominay strike and an Everton own goal handed the Red Devils a 2-0 win, with some familiar faces playing a part.
Harry Maguire, whose proposed transfer to West Ham collapsed this week, was included in the starting line-up according to Manchester Evening News.
While Anthony Martial played his first minutes since tearing his hamstring during the last Premier League game of last season against Fulham.
Donny van de Beek also started after playing a bit-part role during United's pre-season but was left out of the matchday squad against Wolves – his last competitive appearance came against Bournemouth in January.
- By Jacob Jaffa
Disturbed"
Reported feeling of United's female players
So what do the women's team say?
It has been reported that members of United's women's side were "disturbed" by the allegations against Greenwood and do not want him to return.
Female players revealed they would be unhappy to see him return to the men’s and women’s shared training base, according to The Times.
And according The Athletic, "the feeling is strong" amongst the team that he should be let go.
Meanwhile female staff at the ground have also said they would object to his return.
- By Jacob Jaffa
Who are the Lionesses who play for United?
United has sent three Lionesses with the current World Cup squad.
They are goalkeeper Mary Earps, midfielder Ella Toone and club captain Katie Zelem.
The latter pair joined the side in 2018, while Earps debuted a year later.
The trio have not been consulted over Greenwood's potential return so as not to disrupt their preparation for Sunday's final, which will see them face Spain for the chance to become the first England side to claim a World Cup since 1966.
- By Jacob Jaffa
Where did Greenwood play before his United debut?
Before debuting for the senior team in 2018, Greenwood played for the club as a youth for his entire career.
First getting involved with the side in 2007, aged just six, he quickly became a hot prospect tipped for the big time.
He made 30 appearances in the U18 Premier League, across which he netted a stunning 31 goals.
Beyond club level, he represented England at U15, U17, U18 and U21 level.
Born in Bradford, Yorkshire, he been a United fan since childhood and dreamed of playing for the club.
Internationally, he was also eligible to represent Jamaica through his family background, but chose to play for England as he qualified through birth.
Credit: Getty - By Jacob Jaffa
What does United's season look like?
United enjoyed a pretty good season last year, coming third in the league and reaching the FA Cup final.
It will hurt, though, that they were beaten out for both titles by City, who completed a historic treble and continued their dominant run at the top of the English game.
With just one round played of this year's league, United sit seventh after a controversial 1-0 over Wolves on Saturday, which saw the away side denied a penalty that could have brought them level through a contentious VAR decision.
Going forward, United's fixture list for 2023/24 reads as follows:
- 19/08 – Away vs Spurs
- 26/08 – Home vs Nottingham Forest
- 03/09 – Away vs Arsenal
- 16/09 – Home vs Brighton
- 23/09 – Away vs Burnley
- 30/09 – Home vs Crystal Palace
- 07/10 – Home vs Brentford
- 21/10 – Away vs Sheffield United
- 28/10 – Home vs Man City
- 04/11 – Away vs Fulham
- 11/11 – Home vs Luton
- 25/11 – Away vs Everton
- 02/12 – Away vs Newcastle
- 06/12 – Home vs Chelsea
- 09/12 – Home vs Bournemouth
- 16/12 – Aways vs Liverpool
- 23/12 – Aways vs West Ham
- 26/12 – Home vs Aston Villa
- 30/12 – Away vs Nottingham Forest
- 13/01 – Home vs Spurs
- 30/01 – Away vs Wolves
- 03/02 – Home vs West Ham
- 10/02 – Away vs Aston Villa
- 17/02 – Away vs Luton
- 24/02 – Home vs Fulham
- 02/03 – Away vs Man City
- 09/03 – Home vs Everton
- 16/03 – Home vs Sheffield United
- 30/03 – Away vs Brentford
- 03/04 – Away vs Chelsea
- 06/04 – Home vs Liverpool
- 13/04 – Away vs Bournemouth
- 20/04 – Home vs Newcastle
- 27/04 – Home vs Burnley
- 04/05 – Aways vs Crystal Palace
- 11/05 – Home vs Arsenal
- 19/05 – Aways vs Brighton
Could Greenwood be back for the Manchester Derby?
With a return all but confirmed, fans minds will surely turn to what sort of impact Greenwood could have on the pitch in his comeback.
Having not played a minute of competitive football for nearly two years, it's more than possible the striker is a bit rusty.
United are set to face Manchester City at Old Trafford in their next meeting and a home derby could be a baptism by fire for a returning Greenwood.
The date of the fixture is officially yet to be confirmed, but it is currently slate for October 28.
That means United only have eight Premier League fixtures between now and then.
With one of those, Saturday's match against Spurs, likely to kick off before Greenwood's future is decided, that leaves just a handful of games for him to earn a place in the side.
Even if an immediate reintroduction to the first team is the way the club choose to go, it's a big ask for Greenwood to be match fit by the big clash.
Fans were allowed to exchange Greenwood shirts
In the wake of his arrest, United confirmed that fans who had bought shirts bearing Greenwood's name would be able to swap them for free.
The club proactively contacted fans who had bought such products to offer them an exchange.
One supporter revealed on social media that the offer was extended to a shirt he had bought all the way back in 2019.
An email sent to fans read: "As a United Direct customer we are writing to you regarding your previous purchase of a Manchester United shirt personalised with Greenwood, given the current circumstances relating to Mason Greenwood.
"We can confirm that United Direct and Adidas customers who purchased a Manchester United shirt that was personalised with Greenwood's name and number, have the opportunity to exchange it for this season's home shirt personalised with another player's name without charge."
It was good news for one footie-mad dad, who was left dismayed after he forked out £135 on a full kit for his son, with Greenwood's name on, only for the star to be arrested that same season.
Greenwood was scrubbed from video games
Greenwood was removed from several football video games in the wake of his arrest.
EA Games scrubbed him from the FIFA 22 release and he did not appear in this year's version either.
A spokesman for the brand said: “Mason Greenwood has been removed from active squads in FIFA 22 and has also been suspended from appearing in FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) packs and Ultimate Draft."
Meanwhile, Pro Evolution Soccer developers Konami booted him from their 2022 offering for new players and completely removed him from the 2023 game.
The company told Eurogamer: "In light of the serious allegations made against Mason Greenwood, the player will be removed from our football titles until further notice.
"Specifically for PES 2021 on mobile, users cannot newly obtain the player, but existing owners are unaffected.
"Konami condemns violence of any kind. While police inquiries are ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further."
- By Jacob Jaffa
Greenwood's arrest played a role in Jesse Lingard staying with United for longer
Last year, then-manager Ralf Ragnick admitted that Greenwood's arrest had been a factor in winger Jesse Lingard being forced to stay with the club.
Ragnick said at the time: "So it was two things one thing was obviously that we had the problem with Mason Greenwood and being without a player for the time being that has played regularly in the last couple of weeks.
"On the other hand, the club could not find an agreement with another club."
Lingard had spent the previous season on loan to West Ham.
He scored two goals in United's 2021-22 campaign but was allowed to leave when his contract expired that year.
Nottingham Forest snapped him up for the 2022-23 season, but he was released this year when his one-year deal was up.
- By Jacob Jaffa
What has Greenwood himself said?
Greenwood has stayed largely silent publicly about his case.
Other than the announcement of his daughter's birth last month, he has not posted on Instagram since before his suspension.
However, he did break his silence to release a statement when the charges against him were dropped earlier this year.
At the time he said: "I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support."
He has not commented on the matter since.
- By Jacob Jaffa
Residual stigma for brands"
David Winnie
A top lawyer told The Sun Online that Greenwood has potentially lost millions over the course of his suspension.
David Winnie spoke in the wake of the striker being dropped from his sponsorship deal with Nike in February.
David, a former professional footballer and head of sports law at Blaser Mills solicitors, said: "The financial benefits [of the Nike deal] would have been significant given how far he came in his career.
"Prior to the charges he was good for sponsors…if he was doing well they'd want him front and centre…[but] now there's a residual stigma for brands."
When asked how much the loss of the deal would cost the England international, David explained: "It's potentially a significant amount.
"There will have been bonuses for taking steps forward in his career [like playing for England].
"Definitely hundreds of thousands…potentially millions of pounds."
- By Jacob Jaffa
When did Greenwood become a dad and who is the baby's mother?
Greenwood and girlfriend Harriet welcomed their first child on July 14, 2023.
They have not yet revealed the baby girl's name.
Harriet is a university student who has made a name for herself working as an influencer.
The model, from Yorkshire, has worked with major fashion brands including Fashion Nova and Pretty Little Thing.
The Sun understands the £75,000-a-week footballer, 21, has plans to marry her and that he has told his family about his intention.
The couple were previously pictured at the five-star Langham Hotel, central London, where rooms cost £600 a night.
Source: Read Full Article
