Wayne Rooney has advised Mason Greenwood to leave Manchester United.
Greenwood, 21, has not played for Manchester United since January 2022 after being charged with rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault.
United have been carrying out an internal investigation since those charges were dropped in February. That means he remains under suspension and away from any club duties.
For instance, Greenwood has been training privately this summer, although pictures emerged of the forward with Anthony Elanga in Dubai.
United are still to make a decision over his future, but it doesn’t look like Greenwood will be going to the US for the upcoming pre-season tour.
Rooney stresses that United are in a tricky position but he wants Greenwood to return to action sooner rather than later, having gone almost 18 months of no competitive football.
“It leaves Mason Greenwood in a position where he is stuck,” Rooney told The Athletic.
“So for Mason, it’s a bad position to be in because I’m sure he just wants to play football.
“But for the club, its image and ensuring they make the right decisions, it’s almost a catch 22.
“I think the best thing for Mason now is to get out of the club and go and develop somewhere else.
“He needs to get back playing because it has been a long time.
“With everything that has happened and how long the internal investigation has taken, it’s probably got to a place now where Mason just needs to go and play and to try and get his career back on track.
“It’s a difficult position for Mason but for the club as well. You have to make sure you get to the right decision before moving forward and it looks like they’re really struggling to get to that place.”
In the same interview, Rooney gave his controversial take on the Glazer family, suggesting they deserve credit for the job they’ve done at United.
Hopefully, the club make an announcement on Greenwood in the near future because I think everyone is tired of the story.
A solution is needed.
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
