Erik ten Hag is considering sending Mason Greenwood out on loan - but he doesn't want to sell the Manchester United striker.
Greenwood, 21, hasn't played for United since January 2022 following allegations against him by a woman of physical and sexual abuse and remains unavailable for selection as club chiefs conduct an internal investigation. He was arrested and due to stand trial before all charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February.
Greenwood still has two years left on his existing deal, which United having the option of a further 12 months. It's believed the Englishman is eager to return to Premier League action and was recently spotted completing a one-on-one training session in public.
United will face a backlash from some fans if Ten Hag reintegrates Greenwood into his squad due to the serious nature of the allegations, despite charges being dropped. It's unclear whether another club would be willing to take the player on loan or sign him permanently.
United have spent the last four months mulling over Greenwood's future. If United release him from his contract, they could be forced to pay millions in compensation. He is also still regarded as one of the best young footballers in England.
Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 130 appearances for United and was named as the club's Young Player of the Year in 2019. The one-cap international was also nominated for the Golden Boy award in 2021 as one of the top 20 best young footballers in Europe.
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According to the Manchester Evening News, United will reach a decision on Greenwood's future very soon, with pre-season starting on Monday. It's claimed Ten Hag is leaning towards sending Greenwood out on loan rather than ending his United career altogether.
Ten Hag said Greenwood has "showed in the past that he is capable of doing that [scoring goals]" during an interview with The Times last month. Yet this decision will not be based on the youngster's ability as a footballer.
In that interview, Ten Hag also confirmed the decision on Greenwood's future does not lie with him. He will only become involved in the decision making process if United's hierarchy allow the player to continue his career at Old Trafford - hence the loan talk.
United are not expected to wait until their lengthy takeover saga ends to make a decision on Greenwood's future. The Glazers put the club up for sale in November, with Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe contesting the takeover battle.
Greenwood recently hired a personal trainer to keep himself physically and mentally fit ahead of pre-season. He was spotted working on his close control and shooting in a 90-minute training session on an £85-an-hour pitch.
United have not signed any players so far this summer but need to bring in a forward to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, who left Old Trafford in November. Wout Weghorst was signed on loan in January but has since returned to parent club Burnley.
