Mason Greenwood decision delayed as Man Utd consult Women's World Cup players

11 August 2023 , 14:15

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Mason Greenwood's Manchester United future is still uncertain (Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United are set to consult the club's women's team players who are still at the World Cup before making a definitive decision over Mason Greenwood's future.

Greenwood, 21, has not played for United since January 2022 and is currently the subject of an internal club investigation. The Crown Prosecution Service dropped all criminal charges against Greenwood – one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm – back in February.

Speculation has been rife over Greenwood's future since the start of the summer, with several Serie A clubs supposedly interested in his services. Meanwhile, the men's first-team are believed to be split over the prospect of the striker returning to the club.

But now, according to the BBC, United want the women's squad as part of the process to determine whether or not Greenwood stays at the Red Devils. A number of stars, including Ella Toone, Katie Zelem and Alessia Russo are still with England at the Women's World Cup as they prepare to face Colombia in the quarter-final on Saturday.

United are also set to consult relevant stakeholders, such as major sponsors and partners, before coming to a decision. The Red Devils had hoped to publicly announce Greenwood's future before their first Premier League game at home to Wolves on Monday, but it is understood that could be pushed back.

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Executives regard making the correct decision as more important than a deadline, as Erik ten Hag's men prepare to face Gary O'Neill's Wolves at Old Trafford. Ahead of that game, a group of United fans are expected to form a protest against Greenwood's return.

Mason Greenwood (Getty Images)

A set of female United fans, who have branded themselves 'Female Fans Against Greenwood's Return' (FFAGR) have pledged to protest as the Red Devils continue to contemplate over his future. They have demanded the club take a "zero tolerance" approach with their decision on Greenwood's return.

A statement read: "If you want to play at the highest level at the biggest club in the world, your behaviour will be held up to the highest level of scrutiny, accountability and expectation."

The forward is still currently 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.

Kieran King