Mason Greenwood has been included in the list of players retained by Manchester United, despite being suspended. The English footballer was suspended by the club after he was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. 
Mason Greenwood at a match for Manchester United. Source: Getty The Crown Prosecution Service withdrew those charges on February 2, after key witnesses decided to withdraw their involvement. Despite no longer facing charges, 22-year-old Greenwood remains suspended by United, pending the outcome of an internal investigation into whether he brought the club into disrepute and was in breach of his contract. Greenwood has been on full pay since his suspension and it was reported recently that the club is considering sending the player, who has two years remaining on his current deal, on loan for the new season but no decision has been made yet. A new list released today revealed that Mason Greenwood is still retained by Manchester United, but there is no indication of the outcome of their internal investigation currently being carried out. It merely states he remains contracted to the club.
Mason Greenwood arriving court for his trial. Source: Getty Ten Hag and “most of the Manchester United squad” are reportedly willing to welcome Greenwood back, although the club may only sanction his return if the women’s team and key stakeholders also agree. The club also said on Friday, June 16, that it is continuing contract negotiations with David de Gea who was left off its retained list of players for next season. De Gea becomes a free agent this summer, but could still remain at the club where he has been since he signed from Atletico Madrid in 2011. “Discussions remain open with David over a potential new contract,” United said. Despite winning the Premier League Golden Glove for the most clean sheets last season, De Gea’s position has been in question over his ability to play out from the back with his feet.
This is coming after all charges relating to allegations of attempted rape, assault, and coercive and controlling behaviour, which were filed against Mason Greenwood were dropped. The Manchester United forward who was suspended indefinitely by the Premier League club after the accusations came to light, was initially arrested in January 2022 before being released on bail. He was subsequently arrested again for breaching his bail conditions and charged by prosecutors. It has now been confirmed all charges filed against him have been dropped. The Athletic reported that Manchester United Women’s team is “deeply uncomfortable” about the prospect of Mason Greenwood returning to first-team action at Old Trafford, and the men’s team is also reportedly ready to move on from him. 
Players in the women’s team who expressed concern about the prospect of Greenwood returning after hearing an audio that was released on social media before his arrest, said it is “not something that can be easily erased from memory”. Daily Mail had also reported that the men’s team led by Erik ten Hag want to move on from Greenwood and believe his return could disrupt their progress this season. On the other hand, the staff at Manchester United are said to be split on Greenwood’s future. Some feel the Red Devils own a duty of care to the 21-year-old, while others believe he should not wear the famous red shirt again. The club’s management has already said it would “conduct its own process” before determining the next step to be taken. 