According to reports, Man Utd head coach Erik ten Hag has had a “call” with Mason Greenwood and “enquired how he was feeling physically and mentally”.
At the start of this month, it was revealed that charges including attempted rape and assault against Greenwood have been discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service.
A spokesperson for the CPS said: “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.”
It was subsequently revealed that Man Utd would carry out their own internal investigation before they decide whether to let Greenwood play for the club again.
His potential return has ‘split’ the staff at Man Utd, but The Sun are reporting that Greenwood has now ‘spoken with’ Ten Hag for the first time since the charges against him were dropped.
It is said that prior to this call, Ten Hag had not spoken with Greenwood before as previous contact with the club has ‘been through a third party’.
A source told The Sun that Ten Hag made it clear that it will be the club who “decide if he can play for United again”.
“Mason has spent a long time with very little — if any — contact from the club. As and when they were in touch, it was never direct and always through a third party. So for the manager to call him was a big step for him and one he really appreciated,” the Sun’s source said.
“The manager enquired how he was feeling physically and mentally and said he was pleased the charges had been dropped.
“He thought it was the right thing to do to get in touch with Mason.
“But he was clear it will be the club rather than him which will decide if Mason can play for United again.”
They continued: “Mason’s spirits were lifted by it. He has been at United since he was six and just wants to get back to playing football for them.
“He is happiest with a ball at his feet and wants to get his career back on track.
“But he knows the club has a massive decision to make.”
A separate report from The Mirror adds that Greenwood has ‘four options’ should he depart Man Utd.
‘A move to mainland Europe, joining a club in the MLS, moving to the Middle East or joining a side in the Chinese Super League’ would be on the agenda for Greenwood.
It is noted that if he was to join the Far East, ‘he would have to accept a notable reduction on his £75,000 weekly wage’ with salaries in China capped at £50,000.
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