Mason Greenwood update as Manchester United make squad decision on suspended striker, 22, after rape charge dropped
MASON Greenwood has been retained by Manchester United - despite still being suspended by the club.
The forward, 21, is on a list of players United have kept - while seven have been given their marching orders.
Greenwood was suspended after being charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges on February 2 after key witnesses withdrew their involvement in the case.
He remains suspended pending an internal probe at Manchester United but is still a contracted player.
The investigation revolves around whether he brought the club into disrepute and was in breach of his contract.
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Greenwood, who is expecting a child with his partner, has spent 19 weeks waiting for a decision on the probe.
The investigation is expected to conclude imminently.
At that point, a final decision on Greenwood's future will be made by United’s owners, the Glazer family.
It comes as The Sun revealed manager Erik ten Hag is willing to bring Greenwood back into his squad.
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And most of his team-mates at Old Trafford would welcome him back into the dressing room if the club agrees.
Those let go by United today include Phil Jones, who departs Old Trafford after 12 years and 229 appearances for the club.
Others on the release list are Axel Tuanzebe, an academy graduate who joined aged eight, Di'Shon Bernard and Ethan Galbraith.
Academy trio Eric Hanbury, Charlie Wellens and Manni Norkett have also been released.
A club statement read: "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."