Manchester United 'leaning towards' Mason Greenwood decision as deadline set

Manchester United look set to make a decision over Mason Greenwood's future before the start of the new season.

Greater Manchester Police announced on February 2 that Greenwood no longer faces criminal proceedings.

The 21-year-old had been charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault.

But all charges against him were dropped after key witnesses withdrew their involvement in the case and new material came to light during the police investigation.

Greenwood remains suspended by United and has not trained with the first team or been available to play since he was first arrested in January 2022.

He remains on full pay while the club conducts an internal investigation into his behaviour before making a final decision over his future.

United provided an update earlier this month by confirming that Greenwood had been retained by the club ahead of the 2023/24 season, pending the outcome of the investigation.

He was later pictured in a private training session at a public sports centre ahead of a potential return to competitive football.

United 'leaning towards' Greenwood decision

Greenwood is contracted to United until 2025, with the option of an additional year, and manager Erik ten Hag has refused to rule out him returning to the squad.

In an interview with The Times, Ten Hag said that Greenwood had "showed in the past that he is capable of doing that [centre forward role]" but said a decision over his future would be made by the club.

The Manchester Evening News now claim United are 'leaning towards' loaning Greenwood with Ten Hag against selling the forward, pending the outcome of the investigation.

It comes after reported interest in the England international from clubs in Italy and Turkey.

The report adds that a club source insists they are focused on 'settling on an outcome before next season begins'.

United face Wolves in their opening Premier League game on August 14.

Greenwood released a short statement after the charges against him were dropped, which made no mention of his football career and plans for the future.

"I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support," read the statement.

"There will be no further comment at this time."

Greenwood has not played for United in 18 months, with his last appearance for the club coming against West Ham on January 22, 2022.