Uncertainty surrounds the future of Mason Greenwood at Manchester United. The footballer saw charges against him dropped this week, Sky News reported.
Greenwood's current situation at Manchester United remains relatively unchanged. He is still under suspension, with the club launching their own investigation into his prior arrest. Previously they club had stepped back, to let the police action take it's course.
Greenwood will not train or play for the club while he remains suspended. And there is no timeframe on a potential return.
The Guardian report United staff are split over Greenwood's future, with some believing he has no place at the club.
Greenwood has considered options
A report from The Sun claims Mason Greenwood has considered his options if he is sacked from his Manchester United contract.
Greenwood has considered playing abroad, with the Chinese Super League touted as an option.
The report states Greenwood 'would be happy to play in China', as he is keen to resume his football career.
Manchester United currently have Greenwood under contract until June 2025. All options are open to the club, including bringing him back, attempting to cancel his deal, or even loaning him out abroad until his contract expires.
Any decision United make is expected to factor in the views of supporters, and also club sponsors and partners.
Given the gravity of the allegations Greenwood faced, sponsors could object to having him wear their logos, even though the charges against him were dropped, The Times report.
Greenwood's openness to consider a career abroad in China is described by The Sun as 'drastic', but it might also be viewed as pragmatic.
Getting away from England and having a fresh start might be precisely what is best for him, and it might just suit Manchester United too, who despite everything, would probably rather not see him play for a rival.
The club launched a probe on Thursday when prosecutors dropped the charges against him because 12 witnesses refused to cooperate.
Mason Greenwood is eyeing a football career in China if Manchester United sack him over sex attack claims
Sources say Greenwood has now “begrudgingly” accepted United’s stance, which gives the club more time to assess whether his alleged conduct has crossed a line.
But after being suspended by the club last year, Greenwood told pals he had no intention of playing for United again.
A source said: “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.
The club launched a probe on Thursday when prosecutors dropped the charges against him because 12 witnesses refused to cooperate
“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.”
Other sources suggest Greenwood would struggle emotionally with abuse from opposition fans if he played again in England.
The 21-year-old was charged with attempted rape, ABH and coercive and controlling behaviour.
He was arrested in January 2022 and suspended by the club after images and audio were posted on social media alleging he had abused a woman.
Yesterday, his alleged victim’s father said outside the family’s home: “We are just absorbing it all. The bail was only lifted yesterday.
“We are just relieved to get on with our lives and for our daughter.
“She is OK but it has been very stressful.”
The 21-year-old forward is now subject to an internal club investigation into whether to reintegrate him into Erik ten Hag's first-team squad or part ways.
It comes after charges of alleged rape and assault against Greenwood were dropped by prosecutors this week.
According to The Sun, Greenwood has 'begrudgingly' accepted United's 'internal process' which buys them time to make a decision over his future.
The tabloid claims that when Greenwood was initially suspended by United last year, shortly after his arrest in January, he vowed never to play for the club again.
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.'
Others told The Sun they fear Greenwood would struggle with the torrent of abuse he would almost certainly face from rival fans if he returned to Premier League football.
Greenwood remains on United's Premier League squad list, having been named among their Under-21 players at the beginning of the season.
He retains the No 11 squad number and his profile and biography - making no mention of his suspension - remains on the club's official website alongside stars such as Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes.
There was no sign of Greenwood's name on the squad list United registered with UEFA for the knockout rounds of the Europa League, which was updated on Friday.
United manager Ten Hag refused to comment further on the Greenwood situation when he held his press conference ahead of Saturday's home league fixture with Crystal Palace.
'I can't say anything about it,' he said. 'I refer to the statement of the club and at this moment I can't add anything.'
That club statement, released three hours after the Crown Prosecution Service announced charges were being dropped, 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.'
The Chinese Super League became an enticing destination for some footballers around 2017 when the likes of Carlos Tevez, Oscar and Alexandre Pato moved there because of the enormous wages on offer.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic and tighter restrictions on the number of overseas players in CSL clubs have burst its bubble.
Greenwood hasn't played a match for over a year, his last appearance coming in United's 1-0 win over West Ham last January, shortly before his arrest.