Man Utd source provides Mason Greenwood 'update' as timeframe for return decision revealed

Mason Greenwood is 'likely' to be reinstated at Manchester United and a timeframe has been given for an announcement on his future, 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 subsequently discontinued in February, with the Crown Prosecution Service stating 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".

The forward, whose contract at Old Trafford expires in 2025, remains suspended by United while they conduct an internal investigation into his behaviour.

He has not returned to training at the club, and has not played since January 2022.

On Wednesday, The Athletic reported 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.

The date for the announcement is claimed to have been set for August 4 - but that date has now passed.

Now, a new report from The Sun claims an unnamed source has told the newspaper that the club is 'likely' to reinstate Greenwood, and will communicate a decision as early as Tuesday - after the Women's World Cup final.

It is added that the internal investigation into the forward is now over, and that the final decision will be made by Arnold within the next 48 hours. United began their investigation in February.

The quote reads: "The internal investigation is over and Mason is likely to be reinstated at Old Trafford.

"The club will communicate its decision as early as Tuesday after the Women's World Cup final."

The report alleges that, if Greenwood is reinstated, it is unclear as to whether he would return to training with the club or be loaned out.

In a club statement published on Wednesday afternoon, United confirmed that the club had not yet made a final decision on Greenwood's future, although had concluded the 'fact-finding phase' of their investigation.

They stated: "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 comment.