Manchester United will announce their decision concerning the future of Mason Greenwood before the start of the new Premier League campaign. The 21-year-old hasn’t played for the Red Devils since the club suspended him last January, and there has been an internal investigation at Old Trafford after the charges against him were dropped earlier this year.
Greenwood remains unavailable for selection at United and has yet to return to first-team training at Carrington. However, he has recently been seen taking part in sessions with a private coach in his own time. The forward has been on a full pay suspension for around 19 months, but his fate at United will finally be revealed in the next two weeks.
The Red Devils have completed their internal investigation into Greenwood, and they will make their findings public before the Premier League season commences in mid-August. United’s campaign will begin with a home match against Wolves in just over two weeks, and a decision on Greenwood’s future is expected to be announced in the coming days.
It remains uncertain whether the former England striker will be welcomed back into the fold at Old Trafford, as club officials have taken plenty of time to reach a final verdict during their investigation.
Erik ten Hag was asked about this matter during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States and disclosed that he offered his personal view but will accept whatever United decides to do with Greenwood.
“It’s a club decision,” said Ten Hag. “Of course, I have shared my ideas and opinions, but it’s ultimately a club decision. We all have to accept that. I can’t say much about it, but what I can say is that I’ve shared my opinion, so let’s see what’s going to happen and what the decision will be.”
Meanwhile, Red Devils legend Wayne Rooney has already asserted that a fresh start elsewhere would be the best course of action for all parties involved. Rooney believes that leaving United would allow Greenwood to rebuild his playing career away from the spotlight of the club.
“It leaves Mason Greenwood in a position where he is stuck,” Rooney told The Athletic. “So for Mason, it’s a difficult position to be in because I’m sure he just wants to play football, but for the club, its image, and ensuring they make the right decisions, it’s almost a catch 22.
“I think the best thing for Mason now is to leave the club and go and develop somewhere else. He needs to get back to playing because it has been a long time. With everything that has happened and how long the internal investigation has taken, it’s probably got to a point now where Mason just needs to go and play and try to get his career back on track.”
Greenwood joined United at the age of six and has made 129 senior appearances for the Red Devils since his professional debut for the club four years ago. He has also earned a single cap for England but has not played for the Three Lions since breaking Covid-19 restrictions while on international duty in Iceland in 2020.