Mason Greenwood ‘could play for Manchester United again’ after attempted rape and assault allegations against him were dropped. According to insiders, it happens despite pressure from sponsors and United’s women’s team on the club to oust the player. Since the Red Devils’ January 2022 win over West Ham at the Old Trafford, Mason Greenwood has not participated in any professional action.
He was detained later in the month, and charges of attempted rape, assault resulting in actual bodily harm, and using coercive and controlling behaviour were brought against him in October. The Crown Prosecution Office laid the dismissal of the charges on the removal of important witnesses and the revelation of fresh evidence last month.
United ‘have rejected offers for Mason Greenwood’ from club abroad
It was confirmed after his conviction that Mason Greenwood has attracted offers from clubs abroad, with interested parties from Turkey and China ready to lend a hand to the striker in order to help him revive his career. However, those offers and approaches have been reportedly turned down by Manchester United. Several Turkish clubs have expressed interest in Greenwood, but according to The Athletic, United has rejected their approaches.
It implies that the club might be laying the groundwork for their academy graduate’s comeback to the first-team, which again, is firmly objected to by their sponsors, and even the women’s team. While the 21-year-old had attempted rape and assault charges against him dropped last month, he still has to go through a club investigation, which will determine whether he can rejoin the team.
Meanwhile, a source close to Greenwood has claimed that the youngster is willing to “run through a brick wall to be back playing for Man United”. While the internal investigation is ongoing, Greenwood, who has a £70,000 per week contract with United until 2025 with the option of an additional year, won’t resume training or playing. Greenwood said in a statement after the charges were dropped against him:
“I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support. There will be no further comment.”
While some players are reportedly ‘split’ about Mason Greenwood’s return to the dressing room, as is the case with the women’s team, others have no issues with the young striker’s reintroduction, according to The Times. United manager Erik ten Hag is said to have called Greenwood to enquire after his physical and emotional health and to express his satisfaction that the allegations against him had been dismissed. A statement from the club read:
”Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped. The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps. We will not make any further comment until that process is complete.”
Greenwood, who has 129 club games and 35 goals to his credit, is currently training away from Carrington. It follows the one-capped England international’s recent discovery that his girlfriend is expecting their first child. According to rumours, Greewood’s reappearance will be “phased” and may include a TV interview. And since the allegations against him were withdrawn, he has had face-to-face talks with Man Utd executives.
A renowned sports attorney said that Greenwood might have lost “millions” after Nike, one of its major sponsors, withdrew their support. In the event that United let him go, any team that wanted to sign him would be taking a significant financial risk, a PR expert continued. Despite this, a Champions League team has reportedly made “enquiries” about a potential transfer, and Mason Greenwood himself has reportedly considered moving abroad to restart his career if his present club releases him.