Man Utd release statement on Mason Greenwood following reports he's set to return
Manchester United have released a statement on Mason Greenwood following reports he's set to return to the Premier League club.
Greater Manchester Police announced on February 2 of this year that the 21-year-old no longer faces criminal proceedings.
Greenwood was first arrested in January 2022 and later charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault.
But all charges against him were dropped earlier this year after key witnesses withdrew their involvement in the case and new material came to light during the police investigation.
Greenwood remains suspended by United while the club continues an internal investigation into his behaviour before making a decision over his future.
He has not trained with the first team or been available to play since he was first arrested.
United were expected to make a final decision whether to keep Greenwood before the start of the Premier League season but delayed it, reportedly to consult members of the club's women's team who are still competing at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Several Man Utd players are still involved in the tournament, with England reaching Sunday's final against Spain following Wednesday's 3-1 victory over Australia.
The Athletic reported on Wednesday that United chief executive Richard Arnold told the club's executive leadership in the first week of August that United were planning to bring back Greenwood.
"Part of that plan for Greenwood's reintegration with the men's first team, Arnold intended to record a video explaining the decision that would be shared both with staff and the general public," read the report.
The proposed date for the announcement was Friday August 4 but it failed to happen.
United have now released a public statement in response to the reports that Greenwood is set to return, insisting a final decision is yet to be made.
"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," read a club statement.
"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.