Why Mason Greenwood investigation has taken Man Utd so long to complete - Analysis by Jack Otway

Greenwood was arrested that same month, with the forward accused of attempted rape and assault.

Charges were then dropped against the player in February this year, meaning the England international is now free to play football again.

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After charges were dropped against Greenwood, United released a statement confirming they'd be conducting an investigation of their own.

Six months on, however, and they're yet to announce their final decision when it comes to the forward.

Football fans, as well as United supporters, are waiting. There is a storm brewing - regardless of what the outcome is.

United have spent the last six months looking into Greenwood, the accusations against him and whether there's a possibility of a potential return.

They have been talking to sponsors to gleam their opinion. A return for Greenwood, at the expense of millions in the bank, would certainly give the club a sizeable dilemma.

United initially delayed a final decision on Greenwood until the summer.

Manager Erik ten Hag wanted football to be the focus and with the Red Devils chasing a treble at one point last term, that was something club chiefs agreed with.

That, in part, is one reason why it's taken so long.

Another is that United have had to consult many people on the matter, including Ten Hag due to his role as manager.

Publicly, the Dutchman has been coy. He's praised Greenwood for his goalscoring record - but has otherwise kept his cards close to his chest.

Yet reports say Ten Hag is reluctant to sell Greenwood and that suggests the prospect of the player being brought back into the fold can't be ruled out.

In February, reports said United were set to speak with players from both their men's and women's teams as part of their internal investigation.

With the club focusing on football until their defeat to Manchester City on June 3, it's feasible that didn't happen until the summer.

There have been reports saying that members of the women's team aren't entirely sold on the prospect of Greenwood coming back.

Whether that would play a big role in their decision, however, remains to be seen.

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United have also had plenty of other things to contend with, on top of the Greenwood situation.

There's the planning for the upcoming season, for example, with the club bolstering their squad with deals for Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund.

Contract negotiations have been pressing, too, most notably with Marcus Rashford who penned a big new contract with the club earlier this summer.

And, of course, there's been the takeover saga as well.

United remain a club in limbo when it comes to ownership, with Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe both keen to purchase the Red Devils from the Glazers.

At long last, however, an end is in sight.

United are poised to announce their final decision on Greenwood imminently, with the footballing world awaiting their verdict.

Greenwood, for his part, has been training away from Carrington by himself with some coaches approved by the club.

He's now a father and is apparently reluctant to relocate.

United could sell, cut loose for nothing, loan him out or bring him back into the fold. Which option they choose remains to be seen.