Mason Greenwood ‘speaks with Erik ten Hag’ on phone for first time since charges dropped as details of conversation leak
Mason Greenwood allegedly had his first conversation with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag since the charges against him were dropped in early February.
Greenwood remains suspended by the Red Devils, and it is now uncertain if he will be permitted to return to Old Trafford after not having played for the club since January 2022.
Despite this, The Sun reports that Ten Hag was eager to speak with Greenwood to determine how he is feeling following the events.
Erik ten Hag reportedly told Mason Greenwood that the club, not he, holds his hopes for a return to Manchester United’s first team.
Ten Hag has not yet worked with the highly-touted forward since replacing Ralf Rangnick, but he appeared eager to provide Greenwood with clarity regarding his status.
A source described a private telephone conversation between the two, telling The Sun: “Mason has spent a long time with very little — if any — contact from the club. As and when they were in touch, it was never direct and always through a third party. So for the manager to call him was a big step for him and one he really appreciated.
“The manager enquired how he was feeling physically and mentally and said he was pleased the charges had been dropped.
“He thought it was the right thing to do to get in touch with Mason.
“But he was clear it will be the club rather than him which will decide if Mason can play for United again.”
Manchester United would prefer to take their time before deciding Greenwood’s future, as they would be subject to intense scrutiny if they allowed him to return.
The Red Devils are conducting an internal investigation as part of their decision, which could be made at any time before the end of the season.
United said in a club statement published last week: “Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped.
“The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps. We will not make any further comment until that process is complete.”
According to reports, some of United’s veteran players are opposed to Greenwood’s return.
Following his arrest in early 2022, a number of the club’s first-team squad unfollowed Greenwood on social media platforms.
The current contract of Greenwood, worth approximately £100,000 per week, is set to run until June 2025.
The England international was dropped by Nike and removed from the FIFA video game in the previous year.
After the charges were dropped, Nike announced this week that they have no plans to reestablish their former partnership with Greenwood.
Mason Greenwood ‘speaks with Erik ten Hag’ on phone for first time since charges dropped as details of conversation leak
