Manchester United expected to communicate Mason Greenwood decision next week

Manchester United's English striker Mason Greenwood is substituted during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on January 3, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Mason Greenwood’s reinstatement is the worst kept secret in football for some time.

Manchester United have handled the situation appallingly and are making it worse by drip-feeding information rather than committing to their decision.

This may suggest they are worried about the backlash that will come when Greenwood returns, but doesn’t that mean they’re aware it’s the wrong call?

In a statement released on Wednesday, the club said it had completed “a thorough investigation” into the allegations against Greenwood.

After 18-months suspended from the club, The Sun believes United are ready to hand Greenwood a second chance at Old Trafford, with an announcement expected next week.

Neil Custis believes a ‘final decision’ will be made over the next 48 hours by United’s chief executive Richard Arnold. The announcement will be delayed until after the Lionesses take on Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday.

A source told the newspaper: “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 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.

“The club will communicate its decision as early as Tuesday after the women’s World Cup final.”

The report goes on to add that it’s unclear whether Greenwood will return to first team training or be sent out on a season long loan. One option could be a rehabilitation process with the U23s or the reserves.

This is not something a manager wants to be dealing with at the start of a new season. That’s down to the club delaying the announcement when they’ve known for weeks what way this was heading.

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