Mason Greenwood has been included in Manchester United’s Premier League squad after his charges were dropped – but he won’t play for United anytime soon as they launch their own investigation
Mason Greenwood has had all of his charges dropped (Image: GETTY)
Manchester United have included Mason Greenwood in their squad list – which had to be submitted to the Premier League at 3pm on Thursday.
Greenwood had been included on the long list of under-21 players – like he was for the first part of the season. The GMP released a statement on Thursday afternoon that confirmed all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control had been dropped against the forward.
The 21-year-old had been suspended with pay by United since he was arrested in January 2022, when the allegations first surfaced. And United will now launch an internal investigation into the next steps following the police statement.
Mason Greenwood has been included in Manchester United’s squad (Image: PA Wire)
United said: “Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped.
“The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps. We will not make any further comment until that process is complete.”
Greenwood himself added: “I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support. There will be no further comment at this time.”
Mason Greenwood had been suspended without pay by Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)
A CPS statement published at lunchtime on Thursday read: “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.”
Erik ten Hag comments on playing Victor Lindelof in defensive midfield
Jadon Sancho was not the only Manchester United player being utilised in a ‘new position’ late in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
Victor Lindelof came off the bench to play in midfield, rather than his usual position at centre-back.
This was no accident. Every decision manager Erik ten Hag makes is made for a reason, and Lindelof could have a more regular part to play at the position.
Manchester United are short in midfield amid injuries to Donny van de Beek, Christian Eriksen, and Scott McTominay.
Ten Hag on Lindelof
Speaking to the club website, Erik ten Hag says he is confident Lindelof has what it takes to operate as a defensive midfielder.
He explained: “Lindelof was educated as a six, as a controlling holding midfielder at Benfica, so I know he can do that and we already tried it before in training and maybe in one game.
“But also, there I also want my centre-halves playing sometimes in midfield positions so that we create different dynamics.
“So it’s just to construct more dynamic in the team.”
Ten Hag’s comments are fascinating. The possibility of utilising Lindelof as a defensive midfielder was a talking point among supporters during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure, with the club crying out for an option at the position.
Lindelof was needed more as a centre-back then, at present he is merely a back-up behind Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, and Harry Maguire also competing.
So getting him involved as a defensive midfielder could enhance his chances of game time.
Erik ten Hag did this at Ajax, with Lisandro Martinez occasionally featuring in midfield, while Edson Alvarez also featured in both positions. Martinez could be another player Ten Hag experiments with.
The manager wants to be fluid tactically, this can help in-game, we have seen it already with Luke Shaw featuring at centre-back.
