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Manchester United deliver huge update on Mason Greenwood future

Manchester United have announced the completion of the long-running internal investigation into Mason Greenwood’s conduct, but they’ve yet to deliver the verdict. 

It has been six months since Crown Prosecution Service dropped charges against the homegrown Old Trafford starlet, and the youngster has yet to learn his fate in Manchester.

Greenwood has been on the sidelines since January 2021 after the emergence of incriminating images and audio recordings of him threatening a woman, presumably his girlfriend.

The authorities immediately launched a comprehensive enquiry, charging the 21-year-old with several counts of attempted rape, assault, and controlling and coercive behaviour. 

Given the gravity of the accusations, Man Utd took instant action against the prodigious forward, suspending him until further notice to contain the damage and preserve the public image. 

Despite being acquitted of all the charges last February, Greenwood’s future at the Theatre of Dreams is still in limbo, with the club still undecided about what to do with their troubled star.

United have a moral obligation to inform stakeholders, including sponsors and commercial partners, the women’s team, and the fan groups, before making a final decision. 

Though the Red Devils initially planned to address the issue before their opening Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the fact-finding process has taken longer than expected. 

After gathering all the facts, it is now up to the Chief Executive Officer to decide whether Man Utd will continue with Greenwood or drop him for good. 

If they opt for the second solution, the Englishman will likely leave the country for a fresh start overseas as reported by Football Extras and other news outlets – primarily because United will not want their rivals to sign a player considered one of the best footballing talents in England just two years ago.

Host of Foreign Sides Keep Track of Greenwood

It’s been a miserable year for Greenwood, but his skills are still in high demand outside England. 

Roma boss Jose Mourinho, who introduced the left-forward to senior football at Old Trafford in 2018, had thought about a reunion earlier this summer. 

Strapped for cash, the Giallorossi boss hoped to take Greenwood on loan amid the youngster’s uncertain future at Man Utd before switching to other targets. 

Mourinho’s Atalanta counterpart Gian Piero Gasperini had a similar idea in light of Jeremie Boga’s move to Ligue 1 side Nice but eventually decided against pursuing the United man’s signature. 

La Dea have recruited Gianluca Scamacca and El Bilal Toure and are on the verge of capturing Charles De Ketelaere on loan from AC Milan, effectively slamming the door shut for Greenwood’s arrival.

The Italian clubs’ withdrawal from the race has paved the way for Super Lig giants Fenerbahce, with the Turks giving long thought to launching a move.

Known for providing safe shelter to unsettled European stars, Turkey has emerged as a viable destination for Greenwood, but there’s been nothing concrete yet.

Unlikely Stay Still on the Cards

Though Greenwood looks closer to leaving Man Utd than extending his adventure at Old Trafford, the latter is still an option.

Erik ten Hag has never ruled out the possibility of handing the Englishman a second chance, leaving the door open for his reintegration into the squad.

United boast a wealth of attacking potential on the wings, with Antony, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Jadon Sancho competing for the two spots in the starting line-up. 

But based on the Red Devils’ paltry scoring record last term and a narrow 1-0 win over Wolves in this season’s curtain-raising clash, they could use more firepower. 

Greenwood’s return within Man Utd’s grace is a long shot, but stranger things have happened.

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