Greenwood has been informed that he will NOT return to Man Utd training till next season

Mason Greenwood has been told that he will not be able to return to Manchester United training until at least next season, as the club’s international investigation into his arrest on rape charges is unlikely to be completed before the summer.

The 21-year-old striker has been suspended by United since January 2022, when allegations of attempted rape and assault surfaced, leading to his arrest and charging, but all charges were dropped last month by Greater Manchester Police.

Greenwood is said to have held extensive talks with United officials in recent weeks, during which he stressed his desire to return as soon as possible and his commitment to staying at Old Trafford, where he is under contract until 2025.

The club, on the other hand, is adamant that they will not be rushed into making a decision and are continuing to conduct due diligence into the circumstances surrounding his arrest and off-field behavior.

United are facing a difficult ethical, human, commercial, and financial quandary with Greenwood, while there is also an acknowledgement that making a controversial decision in the next two months could jeopardize their push for Champions League qualification as well as FA Cup and Europa League campaigns.

The club is split on the issue, with football staff arguing that he should be given another chance, but commercial executives more wary due to concerns about the potential damage to United’s reputation.

Greenwood’s sponsors Nike, EA Sports, and Cadbury all dropped him after the allegations first surfaced, and his shirt is no longer for sale, though his number 11 squad number has not been reallocated.

Erik Ten Hag has avoided discussing Greenwood’s future, insisting that it is a matter for the club’s hierarchy, despite speaking with the player since charges were dropped last month.

Since his suspension, the former England under 21 striker has continued to receive his £70,000-a-week salary, and the remaining value of his contract is thought to be £8.1m, which the club may have to pay off if they choose to dismiss him at the end of the season.

United did not respond to a request for comment.