Man Utd 'make final decision' on releasing Mason Greenwood as forward nears comeback

Posted Wednesday, August 09, 2023 by Express.co.uk

Manchester United have reportedly decided whether Mason Greenwood will stay at the club after completing an investigation.

Manchester United are in the final phase of talks regarding Mason Greenwood after deciding against releasing the 21-year-old, according to reports. The Red Devils allegedly have one final agreement to settle on before making an announcement about Greenwood's Old Trafford future.

The Sun report that Greenwood has stepped up his training to prepare for a return to football and will remain a United player, ending talk of a potential release.

Erik ten Hag and his dressing room are said to be supporting the No 11, who will either join the Dutchman's squad or spend the 2023/24 season on loan.

A Sun source said: "Mason is working harder than ever on the training pitch.

"He's desperate to return to the side as soon as possible and wants to put the last 18 months behind him.

"Talks about his future are in the final phase, and the players and the manager are behind him.

"The only thing that remains to be decided is whether he returns to first-team action or goes out on a season-long loan."

Man Utd 'make final decision' on releasing Mason Greenwood as forward nears comeback
Man Utd have completed their Mason Greenwood investigation. (Image: Getty)

Greenwood has been spotted stepping up his shooting practice on a training pitch this week, with his father and coach Andrew and newborn daughter present.

The report claims United coaches sent the drills to oversee his progress after serving an 18-month suspension.

Greenwood hasn't featured for United since his arrest in January last year before being later charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour.

The Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges against Greenwood in February, sparking conversation about his return to action.

Discussions between the Old Trafford top brass are nearing a conclusion, and there is hope for an announcement before the Premier League campaign kicks off against Wolves on Monday.

The Sun add that Greenwood would prefer to remain around Manchester, reluctant to relocate after his partner gave birth last month.

And it's claimed that plans are in place for the young forward's reintegration at Carrington, where he hasn't trained since his arrest.

"There's talk of buddying him up with teammates so he has a support network around him. They want to ease him back gently and don't want him isolated," another Sun source said.

Ten Hag would likely welcome further attacking firepower in the coming weeks as he waits for new £72million striker Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial to recover from their respective injuries.