First Interview – Mason Greenwood makes feelings on Man Utd future clear ahead of Erik ten Hag decision

Mason Greenwood wishes to remain at Manchester United and has made “positive” talks with club officials ahead of a major decision.

The England player, 21, has not played for United since January 2022, when a woman accused him of physical and sexual abuse. He remains unavailable for selection while the club conducts an internal inquiry. He was arrested and was scheduled to stand trial when the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew all allegations in February.

Greenwood has been participating in one-on-one training sessions in order to be ready for the start of the new Premier League season. United’s season kicks off against Wolves at home in just over two weeks, with a decision on Greenwood’s future expected in the coming days.

Greenwood’s future at United will be decided by the club’s administration, not by manager Erik ten Hag. Ten Hag, on the other hand, will be obliged to make a decision on how to manage the player if club officials determine he can stay. A loan transfer may be a possibility.

Whatever decision is made, it will be contentious. Thousands of United fans want the club to break relations with the striker owing to the seriousness of the charges leveled against him, but releasing him will be a difficult procedure.

If Greenwood is released, United must pay the remaining two years of his contract. It’s also worth noting that, before to the claims, he was one of Europe’s greatest young footballers and could be signed by a rival team.

Greenwood, however, believes he will be retained by United, according to The Sun. It is alleged that the two parties have had “positive” conversations.

“He’s being encouraged to speak publicly and have his voice heard,” a source told The Sun. However, he has quietly assured those close to him that he has learned a great deal. He became a father for the first time earlier this month and recognizes that he must mature.”

Earlier this month, Ten Hag was asked for an update on Greenwood’s future. “It’s a club decision,” he explained. Of course, I’ve expressed my thoughts and opinions, but the choice is ultimately up to the club. That is something we must all accept.”

Greenwood joined United at the age of six and advanced to the first team during the 2018/19 season. He scored 17 goals the following season and now has an amazing 35 goals in 129 first-team appearances with the Red Devils.

The striker was one of 20 players nominated for the prestigious Golden Boy Award in 2021, which is given to Europe’s greatest young footballer. In 2019, he was also named Manchester United’s Young Player of the Year, following in the traditions of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville, Danny Welbeck, and Marcus Rashford.

Greenwood earned his senior England debut against Iceland in September 2020 but was dropped two days later for violating Covid restrictions. Since then, he has not appeared for Gareth Southgate’s side.