Man Utd takeover ‘not linked’ to final Greenwood decision and club chiefs ‘support’ forward training
According to reports, a resolution to the Man Utd takeover saga and a decision on the future of Mason Greenwood are ‘not linked’.
Greenwood was facing charges relating to attempted rape and assault but it was announced in February that the case against the 21-year-old has been discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service.
This decision was made after it was ruled that “the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction”.
Man Utd have been undergoing their own investigation into Greenwood’s conduct in recent months but they are yet to announce whether he will remain the club beyond this summer.
United caused a stir by including Greenwood on their retained list but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano was quick to confirm that “no outcome” has been reached yet.
“Manchester United also confirms Mason Greenwood included in retain list. #MUFC No outcome yet on Man United internal investigation. He’s just under contract and so remains in list; but decision will follow later.”
The Greenwood investigation has been rumbling on in the background while Man Utd’s takeover process has been ongoing.
The Red Devils were put up for sale last November and after three official rounds of bidding, a preferred bidder is yet to be named.
Qatari’s Sheikh Jassim and INEOS’ Sir Jim Ratcliffe are understood to be the leading contenders to oust the Glazer family and become United’s new majority shareholder.
The Telegraph are now reporting ‘United are not waiting for the ownership situation to be resolved before making a decision on the future of Greenwood’.
They reference pictures published by The Sun which show Greenwood undergoing a private training session away from United’s Carrington training complex.
Man Utd are said to be ‘United are understood to be supportive of Greenwood training in such a capacity to keep himself physically and mentally healthy’.
The report adds: ‘But sources have indicated that a decision on Greenwood’s future is not linked to the protracted takeover saga and will be made irrespective of the outcome of the “strategic review” announced back in November, when the Glazers first indicated their willingness to sell the club.’
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Ex-United player Louis Saha has explained why he would prefer Sheikh Jassim to become the club’s new owner.
“You can see the differences between Sheikh Jassim and Jim Ratcliffe with what those two are offering,” Saha told Compare Bet.
“I think the Qatari offer seems to be more exciting, with more control and it doesn’t include the Glazers which is a big plus for the fans.
“It’s all about a rebuild for the Qataris – the ground, the infrastructure, the trust from the fans. There are so many elements that we are not aware of and we won’t know all the information, but for the club’s sake, this has to be done quickly.
READ MORE: Man Utd takeover… State ownership with Qatar must be better than the Glazers clinging on…
