MANCHESTER United have ruled out making a decision on Mason Greenwood’s return to football until a “set date”.
The striker, 21, has not played for the club since he was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control in January last year.
GettyGreenwood in action for Man United[/caption]
GettyGreenwood has not played for the club since January last year[/caption]
He was charged with the offences in October, before the criminal investigation was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February.
Greenwood has been the subject of an internal probe since the charges were dropped.
Man United had intended to provide an update on his future prior to the start of the season.
But the Old Trafford club is now not expected to announce a decision until the September international break.
It is understood the club wishes to explain the findings of its internal investigation to stakeholders, resulting in the delay.
This is said to include United’s women’s team and its fan advisory board, The Athletic reports.
It comes after it was reported that United players Mary Earps and midfielders Ella Toone and Katie Zelem, all of whom are currently playing for the Lionesses, will be consulted before a decision is made.
Club bosses are said to have been involved in conversations with their female first team, Greenwood and his family, the BBC reports.
But the final decision rests with chief executive Richard Arnold, the club insists, and will be made on the facts established by the club’s own probe, rather than opinions.
The fan advisory board, a group of supporters consulted on major issues involving the club, will similarly be approached for feedback.
However, communication with the women’s team may prove difficult given the Lionesses so far successful World Cup bid.
England reached the semi-final stage on Saturday and will play a further two games before returning home.
The final is scheduled for August 20, should England reach it, while the third-place playoff is a day earlier.
United last week released provisional squad numbers for the new season – with Greenwood omitted.
Last season he wore No11 on his back – but that number as well as the player himself did not appear on the list.
And last week The Sun revealed snaps of Greenwood looking relaxed as he trained on a public pitch.
His dad and coach, Andrew Greenwood, instructed him and cradled the player’s newborn as he ran through shooting drills with pals.
United fans will tonight protest against his return to action as they host Wolves in their Premier League opener.
One group, called Female Fans Against Mason Greenwood’s Return, issued a full statement on the matter earlier this week
GettyGreenwood dribbles with the ball during a game against West Ham in January last year[/caption]