Manchester United says it's in the final stages of determining the fate of striker Mason Greenwood after sexual assault charges against him were dropped in February.
Greenwood was in February cleared of charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control and has been missing in action since his arrest in January 2022.
In a statement on Wednesday, the club said it conducted thorough internal investigations into the allegations levelled against the 21-year-old striker and is on the verge of making a final decision.
"The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future. We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process," the club said.
The Red Devils revealed that the investigations drew extensive evidence and context not in the public domain after interviewing numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case.
The club dismissed media speculation that Greenwood's fate had been decided saying that the decision lies with Manchester United chief executive officer Richard Arnold.
"That decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation. Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders."
The club acknowledged that it has been a difficult case for everyone associated with it including the alleged victim who has been central to the club’s inquiries.
It said it will respect her right to lifelong anonymity.
"We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner," the club said.
The statement followed media speculation that Arnold had told senior staff on August 4 that Greenwood would be returning to the club.
