Manchester United

Manchester United chief 'told senior staff Mason Greenwood is returning to club'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 16 August 2023

Man United chief 'told senior staff Greenwood is returning to club'

Manchester United chief executive Richard Arnold told senior staff on August 4 that Mason Greenwood would be returning to the club, according to a report.

Manchester United chief executive Richard Arnold reportedly told senior staff on August 4 that Mason Greenwood would be returning to the club.

On Wednesday afternoon, the 20-time English champions released a statement confirming that they had concluded their internal investigation into the events that led to Greenwood's arrest in January 2022.

"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," read part of the statement.

"Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation."

However, according to The Athletic, Man United's chief executive informed the club's executive leadership earlier this month that the 21-year-old would be returning to Old Trafford for the 2023-24 campaign.

Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood pictured in July 2021 © Reuters

The wide-ranging report claims that Arnold intended to record a video, which would have explained the club's decision to bring back Greenwood amid a host of criticism.

The Man United chief had allegedly decided that the forward would not make any appearances for the Manchester United Foundation - the club's charitable arm - despite the fact that he would be returning to the Red Devils after being out of picture since January 2022.

The club had allegedly been planning to make an announcement on August 4, with initial reports claiming that a decision would be made before the start of the new Premier League season.

in January 2022, Greenwood was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault, and he was then further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill.

Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick and Mason Greenwood pictured in December 2021 © Reuters

The forward was also facing charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, but the charges were dropped in February, meaning that he is free to resume his career.

Greenwood has recently been pictured and videoed undergoing training sessions in a public space, with the forward preparing to resume his career this season, although Man United have insisted that a final decision has not yet been made despite the reports.

The forward's last appearance for the Red Devils came against West Ham United on January 22, 2022, playing 82 minutes of a 1-0 victory for the hosts at Old Trafford.

Greenwood has made 129 appearances in total for Man United, scoring 35 goals and registering 12 assists, and he has another two years left to run on his contract.

There has been no indication from the club when a statement confirming their plans for the Englishman will arrive, although talk of a potential loan exit has cooled in recent weeks.