Over 18 months after facing charges of attempted rape, controlling behavior, and assault, Mason Greenwood’s future with Manchester United has become clearer.
The charges were dropped in February 2023 due to the withdrawal of key witnesses and new evidence, leading the Crown Prosecution Service to conclude there was no realistic chance of conviction. It’s essential to note that Greenwood was not cleared but not found guilty in a court of law, despite his recent misleading claims.
Following the charges being dropped, Manchester United conducted a six-month internal investigation. The club has decided to part ways with the 21-year-old, with a permanent transfer being preferred, but interest from other clubs leans toward a loan arrangement.
Roma, managed by Jose Mourinho, and Atalanta are among the clubs reportedly interested in Greenwood. Inter, Monaco, as well as clubs in Germany, Turkey, and Spain have also expressed interest, with the Saudi Pro League monitoring the situation.
Despite having 135 first-team club appearances by the age of 20 before his career was interrupted, Greenwood has limited senior international experience. He made his England debut in September 2020 but was sent home in disgrace two days later due to a Covid-19 quarantine breach.
Gareth Southgate, the England manager, held meetings with Greenwood and his family, along with Manchester United officials in 2021, discussing a plan for Greenwood to be reintegrated into the England squad as a squad player, not a starter.
He wasn’t selected at that time, and the subsequent arrest and charges disrupted his potential reintegration into the national team.
Currently, Greenwood hasn’t played professionally since January 22, 2022, nor has he trained with a professional club due to his suspension by Manchester United.
Should he revive his career and look toward an international future, there’s a possibility he might not return to represent England. Instead, he could choose to represent Jamaica, as he qualifies through his family.
FIFA rules allow players to switch allegiance as long as they’ve played no more than three competitive games at the senior international level before turning 21. Since Greenwood was 18 at the time of his sole England appearance, he could switch his international allegiance.
