Greenwood has not played for United since January 2022 (Picture: Getty)

Mason Greenwood could still have a future at Manchester United with Adidas, the club’s most prominent sponsor, considering approving plans for him to return to the squad.

Greenwood has not played for United since January 2022 after being charged with rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault. Those charged were dropped in February but the striker has remained under suspension by United who have been conducting their own investigation into his conduct.

Greenwood was recently pictured in private training sessions with manager Erik ten Hag thought to have spoken to the player on several occasions. The 21-year-old could be loaned out for the coming season with clubs in Italy interested in signing him on a temporary basis.

But according to The Sun, United have discussed the possibility of his return with shirt sponsor Adidas, with those discussions described as ‘positive’.

Assurances from the German sportswear giant, who signed a 10-year deal with United worth a reported £750million in 2015, could see other sponsors follow suit.

A source told the newspaper: ‘The initial signals from Adidas are positive. Without their blessing it would be hard to see a way back. But they have communicated his return would not necessarily be an insurmountable obstacle.

‘They have certainly given the impression they would not be fiercely opposed to it.’

The club are still holding an internal investigation (Picture: Getty)

Introducing Greenwood back into the side would see United hit with a major backlash. While the striker is thought to have the support of some of his teammates, United’s women side have major concerns over such a possibility.

Nike terminated their endorsement agreement with Greenwood following his arrest while the player was also removed from the FIFA video game series.

The Sun report adds United bosses could make a final decision on the player’s future in the coming weeks. 

He has not played for Manchester United since 22 January 2022 when he started in a 1-0 win over West Ham in the Premier League.

Speaking last week, United boss ten Hag revealed he has ‘shared his opinion’ with the club over Greenwood’s future. ‘It’s a club decision and of course, I shared my opinions but it’s a club decision and we all have to accept that.’

Pushed if he wanted Greenwood to return to the United squad, Ten Hag added: ‘I can’t say so much about it but I shared my opinion about it, so let’s see what’s going to happen.’

MORE : Erik ten Hag gives Man Utd his stance on Mason Greenwood’s future

MORE : ‘Go develop somewhere else’ – Wayne Rooney urges Mason Greenwood to leave Manchester United

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Other sponsors could follow suit of the shirt sponsor approve such plans.