Ten Hag 'happy' for Greenwood to return as Man Utd prepare for final decision

 Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood hasn't trained or played for the club since January 2022, but a return for the 21-year-old could yet happen with manager Erik ten Hag giving his approval

Mason Greenwood could yet make a potential return to Manchester United after being absent from the club for over a year-and-a-half.

Erik ten Hag is reportedly happy for the 21-year-old forward to play again since his charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour were dropped in February.

While the United boss may be willing to bring back the England international, the final decision on Greenwood's future rests with the club's senior figures, including the Glazer family.

A resolve of the situation is set to be met within the next week following the verdict of a club investigation.

According to The Sun, most of Greenwood's team-mates would welcome him back into the side, having not trained with them since January 2022, when he was initially arrested.

However, while he reportedly possesses the support of most of his team-mates, it's not a feeling shared by everyone involved with the club as earlier this year, the Manchester United Women's team objected to his return as the feeling was said to be strong that he should permanently depart the club.

A source said: “Mason was delighted to hear that the manager and most of his team-mates would welcome him back.

“He firmly believes he is an innocent man and is very frustrated he’s not been able to play, he understands that the club have had to carry out an investigation, but he feels like his career is slipping by.

“He and his team have made clear to United that they now want to know what is happening."

A return for Greenwood will not be simple, as just three months ago, Natalie Burrell - the founder of United Women’s Supporters’ Club - said she never wants to see him don a United shirt again.

“United need to make a statement and letting him back would be the worst thing they could do," she said.

“It would set back our club in terms of what we’re trying to do with our women’s team and campaigns like Her Game Too, which aim to encourage women to play and watch football.

“I don’t want to see him training, in a kit, or coming out at Old Trafford again. And I’m confident they won’t (let him).”

Reports have suggested if Greenwood does leave, he could go on loan before the club reassess his position in another year.