Manchester United staff have been told to prepare for the potential return of Mason Greenwood to the club, talkSPORT understands.
United have concluded the fact-finding phase of their internal investigation into Greenwood after he was arrested in January 2022, and are expected to make a final decision on his future imminently.
Greenwood has not played for United since being charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault.
All charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February this year, and the club have since announced a statement on the matter.
In their first official comment on Greenwood since February, the club said: “Following the dropping of all charges against Mason Greenwood in February 2023, Manchester United has conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations made against him.
“This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain, and we have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case.
“Throughout this process, the welfare and perspective of the alleged victim has been central to the club’s inquiries, and we 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 fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future.
“Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation. Responsibility ultimately rests with the Chief Executive Officer.
“Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders.”
“This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain. We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process.”