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Mason Greenwood and Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag spoke recently for the first time since attempted rape charges against the striker were dropped.
Ten Hag called Greenwood days after the Crown Prosecution Service dropped charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behavior and assault (via The Sun).
The talk had been a long time coming. Ten Hag hadn’t spoken to the 21-year-old forward since he took over as the Red Devils’ coach last summer.
Previously, all of the club’s contacts with Greenwood since his arrest in January 2022 had been through a third party.
the wait continues
According to The Sun, the charges for attempted rape, actual bodily harm and coercive and controlling behavior were dropped after 12 witnesses refused to cooperate. The woman at the center of the accusations and court case was among those who did not cooperate.
Despite the charges dropped, Greenwood is still unable to play, let alone train, for United. The forward will have to wait for the Red Devils to complete their internal probe.
hope for the future
While Greenwood’s current situation is a far cry from past circumstances, it’s a far cry from the isolated existence he’s led of late.
A source said:
“Mason has spent a lot of time with very little, if any, contact with the club. How and when they were in contact, he was never direct and always through a third party. So to have the manager call him was a big step for him and one he really appreciated.”
“The manager asked him how he was feeling physically and mentally and he said he was glad the charges were dropped.
“He thought it was the right thing to do to contact Mason.
“But it was clear to him that it will be the club and not him who will decide if Mason can play for United again.”
The source went on to say: “Mason’s spirit was lifted. He has been at United since he was six years old and he just wants to play football for them again.
“He is happier with the ball at his feet and wants to get his career back on track.
“But he knows that the club has to make a big decision.”
Greenwood earns roughly £100,000 a week and is still under contract with the Red Devils until 2025.
Before his arrest, the youngster was touted as one of the most promising talents in European football. A pedigree testimonial attached to the Greenwood name was a valuation of around £50 million.
Supporters few and far between
While the charges have been dropped, the Manchester United players do not want Greenwood to return.
This sentiment is reportedly shared by his teammates in the men’s first team. Only a few players are ready to welcome him back to the team.
Similarly, a corner of fans also shares concerns about Greenwood’s return despite the charges being dropped.
Some supporters have called for Greenwood’s release from his contract.
Following his arrest, Nike opted to end its multi-million pound boot contract with Greenwood.
life before arrest
The talented striker made his United first-team debut in March 2019. Since then, he has made 129 appearances, scoring 35 times and winning one cap for the Three Lions.
The jury is still out on whether Greenwood will lace up a pair of boots again at Old Trafford.
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