07 May 2023 , 16:53
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Mason Greenwood has options on the table to leave Manchester United this summer after telling friends that he did not believe he would play for the club again.
United’s first-team squad are believed to be split over Greenwood's possible return to the club after the CPS dropped all criminal charges against him – including attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm – in February.
That announcement 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."
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."
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Greenwood is still suspended by United and he will not be returning to their Carrington training ground or featuring in fixtures until the club have conducted their own investigation, but recent indications appear to suggest that the forward will have to play his football elsewhere.
All charges against Greenwood have been dropped (PA)Juventus are thought to be extremely interested in a move for Greenwood but the Italian giants are set to face competition from domestic rivals AC Milan and Roma, along with Turkish clubs. Juve are thought to believe Paul Pogba may be able to influence his former teammate to move to Turin.
There has been no developments from United on Greenwood’s future but suggestions from the player’s camp believe that he is downbeat on any future at Old Trafford. That could see him depart permanently this summer.
United manager Erik ten Hag did not comment on the player’s future at the club following February’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.