Mason Greenwood future: What to know about Man Utd and England stance

The future of suspended Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood remains uncertain as the 21-year-old awaits the result of an internal investigation by the Old Trafford club.

The Englishman was arrested in January 2022 - the same month as his last game for United - and then suspended on full pay by the club after charges of alleged rape and assault were made against him.

Those charges were dropped by the Crown Prosection Service last month, however, after 'key witnesses' withdrew their involvement. Greenwood's future in football remains unclear, though, with United launching an internal investigation before they decide their next move.

Greenwood would reportedly 'run through a brick wall' to be back playing for his boyhood club, but there is no current timeframe on when United's probe will end. And, for now, Greenwood will not be allowed to return to training.

All the while, Greenwood is still earning £70,000-a-week. His contract runs until 2025, with the option of a further year, but is a return to action actually possible? What about England? And could he play abroad? Sportsmail details everything to know below.

What was Greenwood accused of?

Greenwood, in October last year, was charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm - charges which have since been dropped.

He was first arrested in January 2022 over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online.

These allegations related to a period between November 2018 and October 2021, where Greenwood was alleged to have made threatening and derogatory comments towards the complainant, as well as accessing and monitoring her social media accounts.

The 21-year-old was swiftly suspended by United, while Nike severed ties with him without compensation. Cadbury, one of United's official partners, also said it would not use him in any marketing products while the allegations were being investigated.

Greenwood was also removed from the FIFA video game franchise.

However, in February, all charges against Greenwood were dropped by the CPS. A CPS spokesperson said: '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.

'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.'

What is Greenwood's current Manchester United situation? Could he return?

Legally, there is nothing stopping United from reintegrating Greenwood into their first-team squad - but whether that means he could actually return is another question.

His No 11 shirt number has not yet been allocated elsewhere, and he is still present on their website in the club's first-team squad list.

But, prior to February's bombshell news, sources told Sportsmail that the worst possible outcome for United would be for Greenwood's charges to be dropped.

Greenwood, who has scored 35 goals in 129 games for United, was unfollowed by many of his team-mates upon his initial arrest, and his return could well cause unrest among the team - who are said to be split on the matter.

There is then Manchester United Women, who are reportedly 'deeply uncomfortable' with the thought of him playing for the club again.

There would also likely be significant and widespread outrage from the fans, both of United and not, should the Red Devils opt to play Greenwood again. Opposition fans have sang songs about him at Old Trafford.

Well-placed sources believe United may look at paying up Greenwood's contract and releasing him or seek to reach a financial settlement.

Whether the player would have a legal argument against such a move is unclear, but law experts have told Sportsmail that it would be difficult for Greenwood's camp to argue that he did not bring the club into disrepute.

Greenwood has reportedly now held a face-to-face meeting with United bosses, however, while also speaking to both his team-mates and even Erik ten Hag - who he is yet to play under.

According to The Sun, Ten Hag called Greenwood to tell him he was happy the charges have been dropped. The same report stated Ten Hag stressed Greenwood's decision would be down to the club, rather than himself.

Meanwhile, United have reportedly rejected offers for Greenwood from a number of Turkish clubs.

Essentially, we won't know exactly what United's intentions are until their investigation is complete. But while Greenwood's future remains unclear, the options United have are less so: sell him, terminate his contract, or start playing him once more.

Time will tell - but Greenwood is not expected to feature this campaign.

What have Manchester United said?

Not a great deal. United made a statement three hours after the Crown Prosecution Service announced charges against Greenwood were being dropped.

It read: '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.'

Ten Hag has meanwhile refused to publicly get involved in the debate over Greenwood's future, having been asked three times about the 21-year-old at a press conference in February ahead of their game against Crystal Palace.

Ten Hag said: 'I can't add nothing. It's… I refer to the statement of the club.'

Asked if he had spoken to Greenwood and whether he will be part of the investigation United are now in the process of conducting, he said: 'As I said, in this moment, I can't give a comment about the process.'

What about England?

Despite the charges against Greenwood being dropped, Greenwood will reportedly never be selected for England while Gareth Southgate is manager.

But the forward is said to be hopeful he can resurrect his England career, having not played for the Three Lions since his debut against Iceland in 2020 - after which he was sent home.

Greenwood and Manchester City's Phil Foden were told to leave for breaking Covid quarantine guidelines.

Having played less than three competitive matches for England prior to turning 21, Greenwood is now eligible to switch nationality. He would qualify to play for Jamaica on his mother's side.

Jamaica Football Federation secretary general Dennis Chung claimed in February that they would welcome Greenwood, should he decide to switch nationality.

Greenwood has reportedly turned down this chance, however.

Does Greenwood have options abroad?

Yes. As stated, United have reportedly rejected a number of offers from Turkish clubs.

Greenwood now faces no charges, meaning he is legally free to play both in the UK and abroad. Yet, playing in the Premier League once more would resemble a hostile experience for the 21-year-old, to say the least.

Even in his absence, unsavoury chants have been heard at Old Trafford about Greenwood - and his return would surely only intensify them tenfold.

Moving abroad could perhaps be a more viable option and there are indeed reports stating he would be happy to play in China.

In fact, according to The Sun, while Greenwood has 'begrudgingly' accepted United's 'internal process', he initially vowed never to play for the club again following his arrest in January 2022.

A source told them: 'At the time he was adamant he didn't want to put on the red shirt again. He felt like the club didn't stand by him.

'He said he would be happy to go and play in China as long as that meant he was getting paid well and was playing. His view may have softened over the last few months, but he was not happy at all.'

What has Greenwood said?

Greenwood has remained largely quiet since his initial arrest, but the 21-year-old voiced his relief after the charges against him were dropped.

In a statement, he said: '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.'

Meanwhile, Greenwood found out he will become a father for the first time only weeks after the charges against him were dropped.

His family are said to be aware and 'looking forward' to welcoming his child in the summer.