Manchester United chief executive Richard Arnold reportedly informed key personnel two weeks ago that Mason Greenwood would be returning to the club.
The Red Devils launched a six-month internal inquiry after allegations of attempted rape, assault, and coercive control were dropped against the 21-year-old forward in February.
Arnold reportedly notified United’s senior team two weeks ago on August 4 of the idea to bring back Greenwood, who has been out of play since his arrest in January 2022.
According to The Athletic, Arnold planned to create and distribute a video to staff and the broader public detailing Greenwood’s reintegration with the men’s first squad.
Arnold’s original plan was for Greenwood to make no appearances for the club’s charitable arm, the Manchester United Foundation despite his return to Erik ten Hag’s first-team squad.
The Premier League club issued a statement on Wednesday after originally remaining mute on the subject for several months while conducting their own internal six-month investigation.
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It read: “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.”
Collette Roche, United’s chief operations officer, also spoke out about the inquiry on Wednesday, calling it “detailed and thorough.”
