MANCHESTER United have been slammed as intricate details of their plan to bring back Mason Greenwood are leaked.
The striker, 21, is awaiting a decision on his future at the club after being suspended following his arrest in January last year.
GettyGreenwood has not played for United since January last year[/caption]
AFPUnited are reportedly planning to announce the striker’s return[/caption]
A criminal probe into allegations of attempted rape, assault and coercive control was dropped in February.
But he has remained the subject of an internal club investigation, with The Sun revealing this week that club bosses are ready to hand him a second chance.
United’s plan for Greenwood’s return reached such a detailed extent that officials prepared documents explaining the types of pictures that should be taken of the striker during training sessions.
They also outlined how head coach Erik ten Hag should answer questions on the topic, The Athletic reports.
Preparation for his return are also understood to have included an assessment of how pundits, journalists and politicians would react to the announcement.
External figures are said to have been placed into categories of “supportive”, “open minded” and “hostile” of Greenwood’s comeback.
A number of domestic abuse charities reportedly fell under the “hostile” category.
Zarah Sultana, Labour MP for Coventry South, slammed the details as “disgusting”.
She added: “I will always stand in solidarity with survivors of domestic violence, so consider me ‘hostile’.”
Staff at the club also feel a deep sense of shame over his possible return, The Guardian reports.
The majority of staff on the footballing side of the club are understood to be in favour of giving Greenwood a second chance.
But there are employees who feel frustration over United’s handling of its internal investigation.
Members of Manchester United Women‘s team have reportedly raised concerns about the prospect of Greenwood returning to the training ground.
The club was reportedly aiming to release a video message to staff and fans explaining exactly why Green wood was being brought back on August 4.
It is not clear why the announcement was dropped, but there are believed to be a number of factors.
These are thought to include speaking with sponsors, the fan’s advisory board, the women’s team and major stakeholders.
Instead, a final decision is expected over the next 48 hours by United’s chief executive Richard Arnold.
But an announcement of the decision will be delayed until after the Lionesses World Cup final against Spain on Sunday.
A source said: “This has been a long and difficult process for everyone involved, but it’s nearing the end.
“The internal investigation is over and Mason is likely to be reinstated at Old Trafford.
“He’s made no secret of his desire to to get back to doing what he does best.
“He’s already got the backing of the players and manager Erik ten Hag. He’s just waiting for the green light.”
In a statement released on Wednesday, the club said it was “in the final stages” of announcing a decision.
It said the “fact-finding phase” of the probe had been completed, but no final decision had yet been made.
Greenwood, suspended on full pay of £75,000 a week, has been training alone – following drills drawn up by United’s coaching staff.
His last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham United, which United won 1-0.
He was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
But prosecutors withdrew the case on February 2 after his alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
GettyMANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Mason Greenwood of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Aon Training Complex on September 18, 2019 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)[/caption]