Manchester United players oppose Mason Greenwood’s return to the dressing room
According to reports, Manchester United players oppose Mason Greenwood’s return to the locker room for the remainder of the season.
In November, the 21-year-old was scheduled to stand trial for attempted rape, coercive and controlling behavior, and assault resulting in actual bodily harm.
All charges related to the same woman, who in January 2022 posted a series of online allegations against Greenwood, and the striker was arrested immediately on suspicion of rape and assault.
Man United suspended Greenwood indefinitely, and he was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and making death threats before being released on bail.
However, all charges against Greenwood were dropped earlier this week, and Manchester United are conducting their own internal investigation to determine their next course of action.
The former England international was included on the Red Devils’ updated Premier League squad list after the January transfer window closed, but according to The Sun, Erik ten Hag’s players are not fond of the idea of his return due to the impact it could have on team unity.
Supposedly, a source told the publication: “The players are open to him returning to the team but the scrutiny could be massively distracting. The dressing room is the happiest it has been for ages and no one wants to rock the boat.”
Without Greenwood in the lineup, Manchester United has earned 42 points through 21 Premier League games this season, placing them third in the standings, eight points behind leaders Arsenal and only three behind Manchester City.
Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace was the sixth consecutive home victory for Ten Hag’s team in the Premier League, but Greenwood is still receiving £100,000 per week while he is suspended.
The Crown Prosecution Service disclosed that due to the withdrawal of “key witnesses” and the emergence of “new evidence,” there was no longer a realistic possibility of the forward being convicted.
“We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review. In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case,” a spokesperson said.
“We have explained our decision to all parties. We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
Man United said in their own statement that they would not be making any further comments until their internal process was complete – comments which were repeated by Ten Hag in a press conference last week.
“In this moment, I can’t give comment about the process. I can’t say anything about it. I refer to the statement of the club and at this moment I can’t add anything,” Ten Hag told reporters.
A statement was also issued on behalf of Greenwood after his case was dismissed, which read: “I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support. There will be no further comment at this time.”
In 129 appearances for Manchester United, Greenwood has recorded 35 goals and 12 assists. His last appearance for the club was a 1-0 victory over West Ham United on January 22, 2017.
Manchester United players oppose Mason Greenwood’s return to the dressing room
