Manchester United players believe Mason Greenwood deserves a second chance at Old Trafford and are willing to welcome his return.
Manchester United has been conducting an internal investigation for the last six months since the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed at the start of February that it was dropping charges of attempted rape and assault against the 21-year-old.
Greenwood has been suspended by the club for the last 18 months after being arrested in January 2022, as he was unable to play for the club or train with his team-mates at Carrington.
It has now been claimed that his teammates would support a return to training as a senior source said: ‘All the players believe he deserves a second chance. He’s innocent in the eyes of the law”.
‘He didn’t have the opportunity to clear his name in court because the charges were dropped, so the players feel like he has been left in limbo”.
‘They know it will be difficult but they are willing to support him through it, and protect him.’
The source continued to report that there is some ‘loyalty’ to Greenwood from his teammates as they came through the youth ranks together at United.
‘Some of the younger players came through the academy with him so there’s a loyalty to him,’ they continued.
‘They know he’s made mistakes but the lads who’ve spoken to him say he’s grown up a lot in the past 18 months and will come back a lot wiser.’
It remains to be seen as to what the future holds for Greenwood as it was previously revealed that a decision will be made over his future imminently.
United are aware of the need to resolve the uncertainty surrounding his situation before the start of the new season and are set to their decision within the next two weeks.
There are several options on the table, with United able to terminate Greenwood’s deal, re-integrate him into the squad or move him on with either a permanent or loan move this summer.
With his current deal expiring in 2025, there is also an option of a further year in his contract.
It remains to be seen as to what the future holds for the forward, who could return to the squad this summer.