Manchester United 'never intended' to consult members of their women's team as part of their internal investigation into Mason Greenwood, a new report has claimed.
Greenwood has been suspended by United since January 2022, after he was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault.
In October, he was charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The charges were discontinued in February.
In a statement, the Crown Prosecution Service said that "a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction."
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United have since undertaken their own internal investigation into Greenwood. The forward is under contract at Old Trafford until 2025, and remains suspended by the club.
The Athletic released a report on Wednesday claiming that United chief executive Richard Arnold told the club's executive leadership in the first week of August that the club were planning to bring back Greenwood.
It adds that the proposed date for an announcement was Friday, August 4, which did not happen.
Meanwhile, on August 11, The Guardian reported that United would consult with members of their women's team before announcing a decision over Greenwood's future. Three members of their senior squad - Mary Earps, Ella Toone and club captain Katie Zelem - are currently on international duty with England at the Women's World Cup, and play in the final against Spain on Sunday.
The Athletic claim in their report that United 'never intended to consult' members of the women's team, but 'they did wish to give the team prior notice and the opportunity for feedback'.
The report adds that, underneath posts published by the United women's team's official social media accounts, some users 'petitioned' the above three players to allow Greenwood's comeback.
It is added that some of the messages were 'more menacing and threatening' than others. They were also seen by players - although it is not stated which players saw them.
In a statement published in response to the report, Manchester United said: "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."
SPORTbible has contacted Manchester United for further comment following their earlier statement on Greenwood.
Topics: Manchester United, Mason Greenwood, Premier League
Ryan Smart