Mason Greenwood state of play revealed after Wayne Rooney endorses Man Utd exit
Mason Greenwood is free to play football again after charges were dropped
PA
Wayne Rooney believes Mason Greenwood should leave Manchester United this summer.
The England international's future at Old Trafford is currently up in the air after charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault were all dropped against him in February.
And Rooney thinks a fresh start is best for all parties, despite the talent the youngster possesses and the Red Devils' need for a new striker.
“It leaves Mason Greenwood in a position where he is stuck," he told The Athletic.
Mason Greenwood hasn't played for Man Utd since January 2022
PA
"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.”
The current state of play is one of huge uncertainty. Both for Greenwood himself and everybody associated with the club.
He is free to play football again, that much is clear. His last appearance for United was in a 1-0 victory over West Ham back in January 2022.
After charges were dropped against him in February, United confirmed they would conduct their own investigation into his future.
Fast-forward to now and that process remains ongoing.
A decision is expected in time for the start of the new Premier League season, with Greenwood's profile still up on the club's official website.
The 21-year-old is training and wants to play again, while he's recently been snapped with Anthony Elanga.
Greenwood has become a father, too. He broke his silence on Instagram by sharing a snap of the newborn's hand.
That post was liked by several United players, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Bruno Fernandes and Amad.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Wayne Rooney has urged Mason Greenwood to leave Man Utd
PA
Former United stars such as Dimitar Berbatov, Angel Gomes and Timothy Fosu-Mensah also liked the post.
United have looked at potential loan deals for Greenwood and have discussed a temporary deal with Atalanta.
They don't appear interested right now, however, amid Erik ten Hag's interest in recruiting Rasmus Hojlund from the Serie A side.
Ten Hag has praised Greenwood's ability to score goals but the youngster won't be taken on the club's pre-season tour this summer.
Things should become clearer in the coming weeks ahead.
For now, however, everybody remains in the dark.
Greenwood has scored 35 goals for United from 129 matches so far, having made his debut against Paris Saint-Germain in March 2019.
Whatever happens, United are looking at signing a new striker to go at the tip of Ten Hag's attack.
Hojlund is their top target, but a late swoop for Harry Kane can't be entirely ruled out either.
Greenwood would save them millions - and that's a decision the club continue to weigh up as time ticks on.