Manchester United players are reportedly against the idea of welcoming Mason Greenwood back into the dressing room for the remainder of the season.
The 21-year-old was due to go on trial in November on charges of attempted rape, engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
All charges related to the same woman, who posted a series of allegations online against Greenwood in January 2022, and the striker was immediately arrested on suspicion of rape and assault.
Man United suspended Greenwood until further notice, and he was then further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and making threats to kill before being released on bail.
However, all charges against Greenwood were dropped earlier this week, and Man United are currently carrying out their own internal investigation before deciding on their next move.
The former England international was included on the Red Devils’ updated Premier League squad list following the end of the January transfer window, but according to The Sun, Erik ten Hag‘s players are not keen on the idea of his return due to the effect it could have on the team’s harmony.
A source allegedly told the publication: “The players are open to him returning to the team but the scrutiny could be massively distracting. The dressing room is the happiest it has been for ages and no one wants to rock the boat.”
Without Greenwood in the team, Man United have taken 42 points from 21 Premier League games this season to sit third in the table – eight points behind leaders Arsenal and just three worse off than Manchester City.
Ten Hag’s side recorded their sixth successive home win in the top flight with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday, but Greenwood is still collecting £100,000 a week in wages while he remains suspended.
The Crown Prosecution Service revealed that the withdrawal of “key witnesses” coupled with “new material” coming to light meant that there was no longer a realistic chance of the forward being convicted.
“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,” a spokesperson said.
“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.”
Man United said in their own statement that they would not be making any further comments until their internal process was complete – comments which were repeated by Ten Hag in a press conference last week.
“In this moment, I can’t give comment about the process. I can’t say anything about it. I refer to the statement of the club and at this moment I can’t add anything,” Ten Hag told reporters.
A statement was also released on Greenwood’s behalf after his case was discontinued, which read: “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.”
Greenwood has registered 35 goals and 12 assists in 129 games for Man United, and his last appearance for the club came in a 1-0 win over West Ham United on January 22 of last year.
SOURCE: sportsmole.co.uk
