BBC journalist provides Mason Greenwood update as Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag breaks silence

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag recently broke his silence on Mason Greenwood but did little to clear up the uncertainty surrounding the striker's future.

Charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against Greenwood were dropped in February after key witnesses withdrew their involvement in the case and new material came to light during a police investigation.

But the 21-year-old remains suspended by United while the club conducts an internal investigation into his behaviour.

Greenwood has not trained with the first team or been available to play since he was first suspended following his initial arrest in January, 2022.

In an interview with The Times this week, United manager Ten Hag was asked about Greenwood's current situation.

Following up to previous answer he had given on easing the goal-scoring burden on Marcus Rashford, Ten Hag said that Greenwood had "shown in the past that he is capable of doing that (scoring as a forward for United)".

However, he added that any decision about Greenwood returning to the squad would not be made by him.

Will Greenwood return to Man Utd?

The Guardian claimed earlier this year that United staff are split over whether Greenwood should be welcomed back despite the charges against him being dropped.

While a 'substantial proportion of the workforce would be deeply unhappy if Greenwood played for the club again', it is claimed that 'others feel a duty of care towards the player' who denied the charges against him and has not been found guilty of any crime.

BBC journalist Simon Stone has now confirmed that a final decision over Greenwood's future will only be taken after Saturday's FA Cup final between United and rivals Manchester City at Wembley.

"Once Saturday is out of the way, there will be a focus on the issue around Greenwood and how Man Utd deal with it," tweeted Stone.

Fenerbahce, Juventus and AC Milan have all been linked with a move for Greenwood, should United decide to sell or release the player at the end of their investigation.

What has Greenwood said?

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 over a year, with his last appearance for the club coming against West Ham on January 22, 2022.

Topics: Mason Greenwood, Football, Premier League, Manchester United