Mason Greenwood has not played for Manchester United in over a year (AMA/Getty)
Manchester United have told Mason Greenwood that he will not be permitted to return to training before the season ends, according to reports.
The 21-year-old has not played for United since January last year after he was arrested and subsequently charged with attempted rape, controlling behaviour and assault.
All charges against Greenwood were dropped in February, with the Crown Prosecution Service stating that ‘in this case 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’.
United went on to announce that the club would ‘conduct its own process before determining next steps’ in relation to Greenwood’s future at Old Trafford.
According to MailOnline, Greenwood has held discussions with United officials and has ’emphasised his desire to return as soon as possible’.
However, the report claims that United will not allow Greenwood to return to training until next season at the very earliest.
All criminal charges against Mason Greenwood were dropped in February (PA)
The report also claims that there is a split at United regarding Greenwood’s potential return, as some staff members on the football side believe the forward should be given a second chance, while others in the commercial department are concerned about the potential damage the 21-year-old’s comeback would be to the club’s brand.
A representative of Greenwood told The Athletic earlier this month: ‘Mason is 21, he has been cleared and should be allowed the opportunity to rebuild and move forward with his young life.’
However, it’s understood that United players in both the men’s and women’s teams have major reservations about Greenwood’s return.
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United have received loan offers from two Turkish clubs for Greenwood but are unwilling to approve any deal until their own investigation is complete.
Greenwood’s current £70,000-a-week contract is due to expire in 2025, while reports claim that the remaining value of his deal with United is around £8.1 million.
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The 21-year-old is keen to return as quickly as possible.