CONFIRMED!: Man United confirms Mason Greenwood return as key factor emerges after United board make final decision with Erik Ten Hag backing him to shine at Old Trafford

CONFIRMED!: Man United confirms Mason Greenwood return as key factor emerges after United board make final decision with Erik Ten Hag backing him to shine at Old Trafford

Man United insist a decision has NOT yet been taken over Mason Greenwood’s future despite reports chief executive ‘Richard Arnold told senior staff he is returning to the club two weeks ago’

Manchester United insist that a decision has yet to be taken over Mason Greenwood’s future despite fresh reports that he is set to return to the club.

Mail Sport revealed last week that United’s decision to consult with their women’s team and sponsors was a clear indication that the club is about to end Greenwood’s 18-month suspension.

The fact that United are going to such lengths to explain the decision suggests that they are paving the way for the 21-year-old’s return instead of terminating his contract which runs until 2025.

Now The Athletic claim that United chief executive Richard Arnold, who will have the final decision over Greenwood’s fate, told senior staff a fortnight ago that the player would be coming back following a six-month internal investigation.

According to the report, Arnold intended to record and share a video explaining Greenwood’s reintegration to staff and the general public.

There have been reports chief executive Richard Arnold told senior staff a fortnight ago that Greenwood would be coming back

Arnold’s original plan was for Greenwood not to be involved in any appearances with the club’s charitable arm, the Manchester United Foundation, despite his return to Erik ten Hag’s first team squad.

United responded by releasing a statement on Wednesday denying that a final decision has been taken and is still the subject of ‘intensive internal deliberation’.

It read: ‘Following the dropping of all charges against Mason Greenwood in February 2023, Manchester United has conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations made against him.

‘This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain, and we have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case.

‘Throughout this process, the welfare and perspective of the alleged victim has been central to the club’s inquiries, and we respect her right to lifelong anonymity.

‘We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner.

‘The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future.

‘Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation. Responsibility ultimately rests with the Chief Executive Officer.

‘Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders.

‘This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain. We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process.’

Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of attempted rape and assault, but all charges against him were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February when United launched their own investigation.

Sources close to the club it say that the facts already in the public domain do not tell the whole story, and that they can only terminate Greenwood’s contract if it is legal to do so.

That explains why United have taken so long to conduct a long and thorough investigation that involved speaking to Greenwood and the victim, and the families of both parties. ‘It’s not clear-cut,’ said one insider.

The striker was charged with attempted rape, assault and coercive control in January 2022