Mason Greenwood holds crucial Man Utd future talks as shock transfer links overseas end amid dramatic turn of events
Mason Greenwood has held face-to-face talks with Manchester United as the club edges closer towards a decision on the player’s future.
The 21-year-old forward is yet to resume his professional career while United conduct an official investigation into his conduct. And while serious criminal charges against the player have been dropped, any return to action with the Red Devils would be viewed as hugely controversial.
The CPS confirmed at the start of the month that the withdrawal of key witnesses and new evidence meant there was “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction”. And as a result they had “a duty to stop the case” after charges of attempted rape against him were dropped.
However, his future at this stage remains far from certain as the club decides what to do for the best.
Greenwood remains under contract with United until summer 2025 and the England forward is viewed, on paper at least, as a valuable asset.
But allegations against him off the field means his return to action with United is far from certain. To that end, some of the clubs senior players reportedly hold what The Times describes as ‘stark concerns’ about his return to ther fold.
Furthermore, female staff members also hold similar worries, while a number of United’s commercial partners are also keeping a close watch on the situation.
The Manchester United Women’s team, currently top of the WSL, are also reportedly ‘deeply uncomfortable’ with Greenwood’s potential return.
However, in a view to trying to see where he stands, it was reported last weekend how Greenwood had met some of his teammates in private to see where he stands.
Mason Greenwood holds Manchester United meeting
Now the club has taken further steps to try and decide what to do next.
And according to a recent report in The Sun, Greenwood has met with senior club officials as they try to establish the 21-year-old’s version of events.
That meeting is said to have taken place prior to the first leg of United’s Europa League clash with Barcelona on February 16.
A source told the paper: “Mason and his team met with the club to start the process of trying to get to the bottom of exactly what may or may not have happened.
“It is an extremely sensitive situation and the club think it is only fair that Mason is given the opportunity to fully explain himself.
“The club are keen to hear his version of events. Only when they have the full picture, can they start to move things forward.”
The report concludes that there is currently no timeline set on when a decision will be reached.
However, they claim that, in private, Greenwood feels it is unlikely he will play for the club again this season, if they decide to keep him.
While their investigation continues, the player continues to earn his full £75,000 a week salary.
China move not on the cards for Greenwood
Should Manchester United decide not to keep Greenwood, the player will be free to resume his career at a club of his choosing. As a result, reports have suggested the forward could look to rebuild his reputation overseas. To that end, Fenerbahce have emerged as potential suitors should he become a free agent.
As well as the Turkish side, however, other reports are indicating a move to China could be on the cards for Greenwood.
However, reports now indicate that Greenwood and his agents have ruled out a move to the Far East.
A result of that could be amid the news that Greenwood is to become a father for the first time later this year. That news comes after The Sun revealed that the player and his partner are expecting their first child together.
The player’s family are said to be ‘aware’ of the news and are looking forward to the baby’s arrival, which is expected to come in the summer.
In the meantime, Greenwood continues to await United’s decision on his future. Erik ten Hag reportedly held a telephone chat with the 21-year-old shortly after criminal charges were dropped.
Meanwhile, the founder of United Women’s Supporters’ Club, Natalie Burrell, says she never wants to see Greenwood play for the club again.
“United need to make a statement and letting him back would be the worst thing they could do,” she said.
“I don’t want to see him training, in a kit, or coming out at Old Trafford again. And I’m confident they won’t (let him).”
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