Mason Greenwood hasn’t played for Manchester United since January 2022 (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United are prepared to respond to the mounting backlash prompted by reports of Mason Greenwood’s impending return by performing a major U-turn.

The Premier League giants had laid the groundwork for the 21-year-old’s first team squad reintegration, but, according to The Sun, United have been rocked by the response from supporters, domestic violence charities and politicians alike.

Greenwood has been suspended by his club for the last 18 months over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online.

The England international was facing charges including attempted rape and assault until the Crown Prosecution Service announced six months ago that the case had been discontinued.

The forward has remained suspended by United throughout this period while the club conducts an internal investigation.

That investigation had been close to reaching it’s conclusion with the Athletic reporting that CEO Richard Arnold had relayed to staff his intention to confirm Greenwood’s return in the first week of August.

Arnold had even planned to release a video to fans and club staff detailing the reasons behind his decision to bring Greenwood back in from the cold.

The Sun, however, claims United have been rocked by the response to details of their plan to confirm Greenwood’s comeback with some club staff even threatening to go on strike.

Build-up to United’s first game of the Premier League season against Wolves on Monday was overshadowed by protests outside Old Trafford led by Female Fans Against Greenwood’s Return who had already put out a lengthy statement in which they said the academy graduate’s return ‘tells us, as women, that we don’t matter’.

Celebrity fan Rachel Riley, meanwhile, claimed she would no longer be able to call herself a fan were Greenwood be permitted to don the famous red and white shirt again.

‘I won’t be able to support United if Greenwood remains at the club,’ Riley said in a statement on social media.

‘We’ve all seen and heard enough. Pretending this is OK would be a huge part of the problem.

‘It would be devastating for my club to contribute to a culture that brushes this under the carpet. I really hope they do the right thing.’

More to follow…

The England international hasn’t played for his club since January 2022.