27 March 2023 , 09:03
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Mason Greenwood was told to tone down his language by Manchester United officials after he made stinging criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo – who was still at Real Madrid at the time, it has been claimed.
The two players would later become teammates at Old Trafford, though Ronaldo has since moved on while Greenwood is still suspended by United. Greenwood will not be returning to United's Carrington training ground or featuring in fixtures until the club have conducted their own investigation after all criminal charges against him were dropped following his initial arrest in January last year.
United’s first-team squad are believed to be split over Greenwood's possible return to the club after the player was cleared of all criminal charges against him – including attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm – dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
The CPS confirmed the charges had been dropped due to "the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light". A report in The Athletic has now detailed how Greenwood’s rise through Old Trafford’s youth ranks was viewed by the club.
It is detailed how the forward was openly critical of future teammate Ronaldo. Greenwood is reported to have openly said “he’s dead” when referencing Ronaldo’s perceived decline in playing status. This led to United chiefs instructing him to tone down his language – in a comment they believed showed a lack of maturity from the then-teenager.
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Greenwood would go on to play alongside the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, though the youngster is now battling to save his career. The announcement from the CPS in February followed the footballer's arrest last year.
Speaking after the decision to drop the charges, the 21-year-old forward said: "I am relieved this matter is now over. I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support."
Greenwood and Ronaldo were teammates for five months during the 2021-22 campaign (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)Questions then immediately turned to Greenwood's future in the game having been suspended by United since the allegations first came to light. A statement from the Red Devils read: "Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped.
"The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps. We will not make any further comment until that process is complete."
United manager Erik ten Hag did not comment on the player’s future at the club following last month’s developments: "I can't add nothing, I refer to the statement of the club." There is no timescale on how long United's investigation could take or what sort of outcome it could lead to.
Ten Hag is reported to have spoken to Greenwood for the first time after the forward was cleared of the charges, in which the player was said to have been informed that any decision over his future would be taken by the club and not the management team.
Greenwood remains under contract at Old Trafford until the summer of 2025. He has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for United having made his senior debut in the Champions League in March 2019, and won a single England cap in 2020.