Mason Greenwood hasn’t played for Manchester United since last January.
Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood has reportedly held secret meetings with some of his Red Devils team-mates after rape allegations against him were dropped. The 21-year-old hasn’t played for United since last January and his future at the club is currently unclear.
Greenwood has been unable to play for United or train with the squad despite his case being dropped as the 13-time Premier League champions are currently undertaking an internal investigation into his actions.
But, according to The Scottish Sun, the England international is keen to rekindle his relationships with his team-mates in a bid to resurrect his career at Old Trafford. “He’s reached out to some of the United players – some of them he’s known since his academy days,” a source told the publication. “They’ve met up with him in private to hear him out so they can make their own mind up.”
And a different source added: “There is a level of sympathy for someone who is innocent in the eyes of the law and a long-standing team-mate. But the players are absolutely focused on keeping this juggernaut on the road.”
Man Utd striker Mason Greenwood has reportedly held secret meetings with some of his team-mates (Image: GETTY)
Express Sport have approached Manchester United for comment.
Greenwood has also reached out to other United players on social media, with some of those being married with children. And he has already spoken to Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag for the first time after the Dutchman rang him.
United have not specified how long their investigation will take. And the player could face resistance from some members of the Red Devils women’s team as they share the Carrington training facilities with the men’s team and are reported to be concerned about his return.
Mason Greenwood hasn’t played for Manchester United since last January (Image: GETTY)
After the charges against Greenwood were dropped, 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.”
Meanwhile, Greenwood released a statement, which read: “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.”
And 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.”
Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim, Sir Jim Ratcliffe table Manchester United takeover bids?
© Reuters
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have both submitted bids to complete a takeover of Manchester United.
The Red Devils have been owned by the Glazer family since 2005, but they announced in November last year that they were exploring “strategic alternatives for the club”.
In the past weeks and months, a number of potential buyers have been linked with a takeover, including a possible offer from Qatar.
Chairman of the Qatari Investment Bank, Sheikh Jassim has announced that he submitted an offer before Friday’s 10pm deadline, which was set by the Raine Group, who are handling the sale on the Glazers’ behalf.
In a statement, Sheikh Jassim revealed that his bid is “completely debt free” and has been tabled via his Nine Two Foundation
Sheikh Jassim, who is a fan of the 20-time English champions, also confirmed his offer is for “100 per cent’ of Man United.
Due to UEFA rules, the Qatari-linked bid will have to prove that it does not have a conflict of interest with Paris Saint-Germain, who are owned by Qatar Sports Investment.
According to The Telegraph, INEOS owner Ratcliffe has also tabled a bid to become complete a full takeover of the Red Devils.
The report claims that Ratcliffe wants to be “a long-term custodian” of Man United and “set the standard for a progressive approach to club ownership”.
Ratcliffe, who already owns French club Nice and Swiss side FC Lausanne-Sport, is also a Man United fan and was in attendance at Camp Nou when Sir Alex Ferguson‘s side completed the treble in 1999.
© Reuters
In a separate report, BBC Sport indicates that there may have be two offers from potential buyers based in the United States.
A recent report claimed that investors from Saudi Arabia may have submitted a bid, which could result in at least five offers being on the table.
While no figures have been placed on the reported bids, the Glazers allegedly value the club at £5bn ($6.6bn), however, there is a belief that they could accept an offer of £4.5bn ($5.5bn).
Man United boss Erik ten Hag refused to be drawn on the speculation surrounding the takeover, claiming that he is “focusing on football”.
Ten Hag is currently preparing his side to face Leicester City at Old Trafford on Sunday.
