Mason Greenwood and two potential roles at Manchester United if return happens

Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 for attempted rape and assault.

But charges were dropped against the striker in February, meaning he's now free to resume his career in football.

After that news broke, United confirmed they'd be conducting their own investigation into Greenwood. A statement read: “Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped.

"The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps."

A potential return for Greenwood is something that can't be entirely ruled out.

United have had the youngster on their books ever since he was six and the forward was previously tipped for the very top by former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Should Greenwood come back, then the Red Devils have two footballing roles they could hand the youngster.

The obvious, and perhaps natural one, would be to use him as a striker.

Greenwood, when playing down the middle for club and country across all age groups, has bagged 41 goals and clocked up 13 assists from 65 matches.

That's an impressive record and, prior to his arrest, there were signs the 21-year-old was starting to make that position his own.

Greenwood started the 2021/2022 season impressively, netting in matches against the likes of Leeds and Wolves.

Having previously been forced to play second fiddle to Anthony Martial up top, he was flourishing in his preferred position.

However, the Hollywood homecoming of Cristiano Ronaldo then changed all that.

Ronaldo rocked up at Old Trafford and immediately became Solskjaer's first-choice striker, having morphed into a No 9 at Juventus.

Even after Solskjaer lost his job, and Ralf Rangnick arrived, United continued to overlook Greenwood for a central spot.

But while Greenwood has played 65 matches as a centre-forward, he's actually been used as a right-winger on more occasions.

Across all age groups for the club he's played 87 matches in that position, netting 24 goals and clocking up nine assists.

And the struggles of United's current right-wingers could mean Greenwood being used by manager Erik ten Hag in that position instead.

Antony has failed to impress since his move from Ajax 12 months ago, with the Brazil international infuriatingly inconsistent.

Ten Hag doesn't appear to trust youngster Facundo Pellistri, who was signed by Solskjaer back in the summer transfer window of 2020.

And United using Jadon Sancho as a false nine in pre-season suggests there's a possibility the England international is heading for a positional change of his own.

For now, United continue to be diligent as they look to determine Greenwood's future.

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Should a return take place, however, then United would stand to benefit from the player on the pitch.