Adidas release official statement over Mason Greenwood after 'secret talks' report

Adidas have responded to a report that claimed they have held 'secret talks' with Manchester United over a potential return for Mason Greenwood.

Greenwood has not played for United since January 2022, when he was suspended after being arrested on suspicion of rape and assault.

In October 2022, he was charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Those charges were discontinued in February 2023. In a statement, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) 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".

Since then, United have been undertaking their own internal investigation on Greenwood's future, but are yet to reach a decision over its outcome. The forward, who remains suspended by the club, is under contract at Old Trafford until 2025.

The 21-year-old was not named in the club's travelling squad for their pre-season tour of the United States. Earlier this month, he was pictured in Dubai training alongside his now former team-mate Anthony Elanga.

Adidas respond to Greenwood reports

On Friday, The Sun claimed that United had held 'secret talks' with Adidas, who are the club's main sponsor, over Greenwood.

They alleged that those talks had been described as 'positive', and that the club would decide on Greenwood's future 'in weeks', with the player having spoken to manager Erik ten Hag.

But Adidas have now released a statement of their own, in which they describe the initial report as 'inaccurate' and 'speculative'.

A spokesperson for Adidas told the Daily Star: "After inaccurate and speculative reporting within the media it's important for us to clarify that Adidas has had no discussions with Manchester United regarding any member of their playing squad.

"We play no role in any decisions made regarding any member of the team or staff at the club."