Man Utd weigh up Mason Greenwood future

Jacque Talbot

• 3 Mar 2023 10:39 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United have held talks with Mason Greenwood as they weigh up the future of their striker.

The 21-year-old saw charges against him for attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour discontinued last month.

The forward has not played for Man Utd since he was arrested in January 2022 and The Atheltic report that now the club is deciding his future, having opened an internal investigation.

There has been the option of reintroducing Greenwood into the club’s first-team squad in a phased manner, something which the reports suggest ‘remain firmly under consideration’.

Another approach would be to drop him out of the side entirely and effectively dismiss him, but so far the club have not made any decisions on the matter.

The former option, it is reported, would see the former England international undergo therapy, while the idea of holding a TV interview with Greenwood has also been considered.

There is the idea that Man Utd may ‘frame him as a young man who has made mistakes and is remorseful for his actions’, the report continues.

Meanwhile, the fact that Greenwood has been with the club since the age of six is also a factor - given that the club feel they have a responsibility to his wellbeing.

Man Utd’s statement last month read: “The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps. We will not make any further comment until that process is complete.”

It is believed that the ultimate decision after the investigation is concluded would be a matter for the club’s co-owner Joel Glazer and chief executive Richard Arnold - though this could change should the ownership go into different hands, something that has been rumbling on for some time, with Man Utd still considering offers from Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group and Sheikh Jassim of Qatar, among others.

Ten Hag held talks with Greenwood

Erik ten Hag’s views will be taken into consideration as well. The Dutchman has reportedly already held talks with Greenwood - though what those discussions were about aren't disclosed.

Before, the club weren't legally unable to carry out their own inquiry as Greenwood remained under criminal investigation.

The complainant, of which there is one, subsequently provided a retraction statement to their previous claims.

Greenwood is under contract with Man Utd until the summer of 2025, with the option of a further year’s extension.