Mason Greenwood has first face-to-face meeting with Man Utd bosses as club probes star after rape charge dropped

Posted Sunday, February 26, 2023 by Thesun.co.uk

MASON Greenwood has held his first face-to-face meeting with Manchester United bosses since a rape charge against him was dropped.

The striker and his representatives met with senior club officials as part of its internal investigation into the allegations against him.

Mason Greenwood had all charges against him dropped earlier this month

Greenwood, 21, was cleared of any wrongdoing earlier this month when the Crown Prosecution Service dropped charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour.

The England international thought he would then be able to restart his career, but United immediately announced it would “now conduct its own process before determining next steps”.

The aim of the review is to give United’s leadership team a more complete understanding of the circumstances around the allegations made against Greenwood by a woman in January 2022, which led to his arrest.

The star remains suspended while the probe is completed.

Greenwood met with the club prior to United’s Europa League first leg clash against Barcelona on 16 February.

A source said: "Mason and his team met with the club to start the process of trying to get to the bottom of exactly what may or may not have happened.

"It is an extremely sensitive situation and the club think it is only fair that Mason is given the opportunity to fully explain himself.

"The club are keen to hear his version of events. Only when they have the full picture, can they start to move things forward."

There is no timeline on the investigation being concluded but a source told The Sun on Sunday Greenwood does not believe he will play this season, even if the club decide to keep him.

He is unable to train or play for United, while the investigation is ongoing, but is being paid his £75,000-a-week wage.

The Sun on Sunday previously told how manager Erik ten Hag had held a telephone conversation with Greenwood after the charges were dropped.

And it was revealed yesterday that Greenwood is set to become a dad for the first time with his partner.

A source close to the couple said: "They and their families are both very happy and really looking forward to the baby's arrival."

It comes after The Sun revealed that the Three Lions ace had secret meetings with his teammates after the case against him was withdrawn.

However, Greenwood's hopes of a return to Old Trafford were endangered amid opposition from United's female stars.

The women's team were said to be "disturbed" by the prospect of his return.

Likewise, female fans of the club said that they felt he should never play for the club again.

Meanwhile, a top sports lawyer said Greenwood may have lost "millions" after being dropped by major sponsors Nike.

A PR expert added that any club taking him on, should United let him go, would take on a huge financial risk.

Despite this, a Champions League team have made "inquiries" over a possible transfer, while Greenwood himself was reported to be eyeing a move abroad to restart his career if he's dropped by his current club.