sport news Mason Greenwood future: What to know about Man Utd and England stance trends now

The future of suspended Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood remains uncertain as the 21-year-old awaits the result of an internal investigation by the Old Trafford club. 

The Englishman was arrested in January 2022 - the same month as his last game for United - and then suspended on full pay by the club after charges of alleged rape and assault were made against him. 

Those charges were dropped by the Crown Prosection Service last month, however, after 'key witnesses' withdrew their involvement. Greenwood's future in football remains unclear, though, with United launching an internal investigation before they decide their next move. 

Greenwood would reportedly 'run through a brick wall' to be back playing for his boyhood club, but there is no current timeframe on when United's probe will end. And, for now, Greenwood will not be allowed to return to training.

All the while, Greenwood is still earning £70,000-a-week. His contract runs until 2025, with the option of a further year, but is a return to action actually possible? What about England? And could he play abroad? Sportsmail details everything to know below. 

What was Greenwood accused of? 

Greenwood, in October last year, was charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm - charges which have since been dropped. 

He was first arrested in January 2022 over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online.

These allegations related to a period between November 2018 and October 2021, where Greenwood was alleged to have made threatening and derogatory comments towards the complainant, as well as accessing and monitoring her social media accounts.

The 21-year-old was swiftly suspended by United, while Nike severed ties with him without compensation. Cadbury, one of United's official partners, also said it would not use him in any marketing products while the allegations were being investigated.

Greenwood was also removed from the FIFA video game franchise.

However, in February, all charges against Greenwood were dropped by the CPS. A CPS spokesperson said: '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.

'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.'

What is Greenwood's current Manchester United situation? Could he return? 

Legally, there is nothing stopping United from reintegrating Greenwood into their first-team squad - but whether that means he could actually return is another question. 

His No 11 shirt number has not yet been allocated elsewhere, and he is still present on their website in the club's first-team squad list. 

But, prior to February's bombshell news, sources told Sportsmail that the worst possible outcome for United would be for Greenwood's charges to be dropped. 

Greenwood, who has scored 35 goals in 129 games for United, was unfollowed by many of his team-mates upon his initial arrest, and his return could well cause unrest among the team - who are said to be split on the matter.

There is then Manchester United Women, who are reportedly 'deeply uncomfortable' with the thought of him playing for the club again. 

There would also likely be significant and widespread outrage from the fans, both of United and not, should the Red Devils opt to play Greenwood again. Opposition fans have sang songs about him at Old Trafford.

Well-placed sources believe United may look at paying up Greenwood's contract and releasing him or seek to reach a financial settlement.