Manchester United players would allegedly welcome the return of Mason Greenwood to the dressing room after the criminal case against the attacker was dropped.
The 21-year-old has not seen the field since being arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of rape and assault following accusations posted online by a woman.
While in custody, Greenwood was further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and making threats to kill, before he was released on bail and suspended by Man United until further notice.
Greenwood was due to face trial on charges of one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, but proceedings were discontinued back in February.
The Crown Prosecution Service stated that there was no longer a realistic chance of conviction due to "withdrawal of key witnesses" and "new material" coming to light, leaving Greenwood free to resume his career.
© Reuters
However, the one-cap England international is still in the dark over his future, as Man United are set to conclude their own internal investigation before deciding on the next course of action.
Greenwood is still under contract at Old Trafford for another two seasons, and a loan exit for the 2023-24 campaign is currently thought to be a likelier scenario than a termination.
In a potential boost to Greenwood's prospects of a Man United return, The Sun claims that members of Erik ten Hag's first-team squad would be happy to have him back, with academy players in particular feeling a sense of "loyalty" to him.
"All the players believe he deserves a second chance because he's innocent in the eyes of the law," a source allegedly told the publication.
"He didn't have the opportunity to clear his name in court because the charges were dropped, so the players feel like he has been left in limbo. They know it will be difficult but they are willing to support him through it, and protect him.
© Reuters
"Some of the younger players came through the academy with him so there's a loyalty to him. They know he's made mistakes but the lads who've spoken to him say he's grown up a lot in the past 18 months and will come back a lot wiser."
Man United are expected to make their final decision on Greenwood's future before the start of their Premier League campaign, which comes at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 14.
Italian giants Atalanta BC and Juventus have reportedly been in touch to discuss a loan move for the attacker, who has registered 35 goals and 12 assists from 129 games in a Man United shirt.
It was previously claimed that Man United's chief sponsor Adidas had also given the green light to Greenwood's return, but the sportswear brand has since rubbished those reports.
Ben Knapton
