Manchester United have denied they have made a decision about the return of striker Mason Greenwood.

The club say they are still in the “final stages of making a decision” on the future of the 21-year-old striker, who has been suspended from the club since January last year following claims of domestic abuse.

Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault, and controlling and coercive behaviour, following the claims, which emerged on social media.

The charges were discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in February this year, while the club launched their own internal investigation.

On Wednesday, a report published by The Athletic suggested that United bosses had decided to bring Greenwood back into the first-team squad following the investigation.

However, the club have denied the reports and have insisted Greenwood’s future remains “the subject of intensive internal deliberation”.

“Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders,” the club said in a statement.

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“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.”

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The club said the investigation had “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”.

“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,” the club added.

“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.”

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