Manchester United will announce their decision about Mason Greenwood’s future before the start of the Premier League season
Man Utd have been holding an internal investigation about Greenwood over the past six months in an attempt to decide whether to reintegrate him into their setup or send him elsewhere.
Greenwood has been suspended by Man Utd since he was arrested in January 2022. However, in February 2023, the charges of attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behaviour were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Man Utd have been taking their time to decide if Greenwood still has a future at the club. For a while, it appeared they would be looking to loan him out to another club, but that solution seems to have been ruled out.
Recently, Man Utd’s main sponsors Adidas were said to have approved his return. However, the kit suppliers later released a statement denying they have held discussions with the club about any individual player.
Indeed, Greenwood’s fate is fully in Man Utd’s hands. It has long been expected that a decision about his future would precede any possible takeover of the club.
And now, sources are reporting that Man Utd will announce the findings of their Greenwood investigation within the next fortnight.
The decision will be made before their Premier League season gets underway with a home match against Wolves on August 14.
Manager Erik ten Hag has so far remained coy on what the outcome for Greenwood will be, having assigned all responsibility for the verdict to the club.
Furthermore, neither report has given an indication of what Man Utd’s decision is going to be. However, the announcement should arrive within a couple of weeks to finally provide some clarity.
Meanwhile, Man Utd are also preparing to make a decision about another player with an uncertain future in obviously different circumstances.
Jonny Evans has been training with the club after being released by Leicester City at the end of his contract. Evans previously played for Man Utd 2007 and 2015.
Man Utd could offer Evans a deal to last for the 2023-24 season after initially just taking him on board for their pre-season preparations.
Coaching staff have been impressed by Evans’ leadership traits and ability on the ball. Given that funds for other signings could be limited during takeover limbo, the Northern Irishman might be registered for the upcoming campaign as cover in defence.
Man Utd are planning to rely upon Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane again this season. However, options behind them in the centre-back pecking order are facing uncertain futures.
In case players like Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly leave, Man Utd might need more depth and they now know Evans is someone they can trust.