Mason Greenwood has been spotted training with a private coach as Manchester United prepare to make a decision on his future.
The striker was suspended by the Red Devils after he was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Those charges were withdrawn by the Crown Prosecution Service earlier this year.
United have carried out an investigation into the allegations themselves and are weighing up restoring Greenwood to Erik ten Hag 's first-team squad. That investigation is studying whether he brought the club into disrepute and was in breach of his contract.
While he remains suspended, Greenwood is still preparing to return to life as a professional footballer. As part of that, he has hired a private coach, who put him through his paces in a session on Thursday.
According to The Sun, Greenwood worked on his close control and shooting during a 90-minute session at a public sports centre. The striker was not wearing his usual Nike boots after the firm curtailed its sponsorship of him.
Greenwood was wearing a black T-shirt and tracksuit bottoms for the session, as well as a fitness monitor. A goalkeeper was also present at the session, to allow Greenwood the chance to conduct shooting practice.
United are yet to make a decision on whether Greenwood will be allowed to take his place back at Old Trafford. They did include him on their retained list, released at the end of the season just gone.
That is because the 22-year-old remains a contracted player, with United insisting his inclusion on the list is not an indication of the outcome of the ongoing disciplinary process.
Confirming the range of decisions, the Reds Devils said in a statement: "In terms of the goalkeeping department, discussions remain open with David De Gea over a potential new contract, while Tom Heaton and Nathan Bishop have had extensions triggered on their deals.
"Extensions were also processed for defenders Rhys Bennett and Ethan Laird, while Under-21s player coach Tom Huddlestone is expected to stay after discussions over a new contract. Young forward Mateo Mejia has also been offered a deal.
"Ethan Galbraith and Di’Shon Bernard are seeking new opportunities elsewhere after loan spells at Salford City and Portsmouth, respectively. Both made their first-team debuts for United in a 2019 Europa League clash against Astana in Kazakhstan.
"Eric Hanbury, Charlie Wellens and Manni Norkett are leaving the Academy after the end of their current terms. The Academy is proud of all our departing young players and their achievements while at the club.
"They will all be supported in securing professional contracts at new clubs, provided with a bespoke aftercare programme, and will always have a lifelong association with Manchester United."
