A source has reportedly detailed Manchester United’s plan for Mason Greenwood moving forward.
One year ago today, Greenwood was scheduled to be the subject of a two-week trial on charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour, all of which he denied.
However, following the withdrawal of key witnesses, the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service discontinued the charges in February.
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Greenwood’s employers United subsequently conducted a lengthy internal investigation about the 22-year-old forward, which concluded in August. The club said that while Greenwood "did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged" the player would be leaving Old Trafford.
Greenwood joined mid-table La Liga side Getafe on a season-long loan on the final day of the summer transfer window and the expectation was that he would not play for United again.
While in Spain the forward is yet to return to the sort of form that had earned him a reputation as one of the most lauded young players in world football, he has impressed at Getafe.
When he first arrived at the club, some 18 months after last playing first-team football, Greenwood was slowly eased into proceedings. He came on as a substitute in three of Getafe’s first four games.
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However, Greenwood has since been starting regularly and registered four goals and three assists in 720 minutes of league and cup action, including a wonder goal from distance on Saturday against Almeria.
As per the Athletic, the hierarchy at Getafe does not know if Greenwood will return to the same level he was at while still playing for United.
However, a senior source reportedly told the publication that should the player continue with his current form Getafe will discuss with United the options for his future.
The Athletic claimed that Getafe are planning to talk to United in April, in the hope Greenwood can continue in Spain.
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Irrespective of how well Greenwood performs in La Liga, it is likely his United career is over, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
Jacobs was speaking after Paul Mitchell, who has been linked to the vacant CEO position at Old Trafford, reportedly travelled to Spain to watch Greenwood's Getafe.
Speaking to GIveMeSports Jacobs said: “I'm not sure, because if Manchester United's position is genuine, Mason Greenwood will never play for the football club again. So it would be a little strange that a guy linked with a sporting director role before he's even started, goes out to Getafe to watch Greenwood, potentially even speak to Greenwood, unless Manchester United have changed their position.
“Of course, the sporting director also deals with outgoings, so Manchester United do feel a responsibility to resolve Greenwood's long-term future but, anybody connecting Greenwood back to United has to be aware that the review and the club position now is that he’ll never play for Manchester United again, regardless of football form.
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“Therefore, if Mitchell’s first task is to somehow handle the Greenwood situation before he's even joined, that would be extremely atypical and in many ways a bad sign. Because you want process, you want structure, you want transparency. And this would be the opposite, by getting somebody to go out there before they've even begun to involve themselves in something with no clarity before Ratcliffe even has legally any kind of sporting control.”
Topics: Football, Mason Greenwood, Manchester United, Getafe, La Liga, Transfers