It has been reported that Manchester United made a huge decision to put off Mason Greenwood’s return announcement.
According to reports by The Athletic, Manchester United had originally planned to reintegrate forward Mason Greenwood at the beginning of August.
The report states that club chief executive Richard Arnold informed the club’s executive leadership about the plan for the 21-year-old.
The club had originally planned to announce their decision to reinstate Greenwood on Friday, August 4th with a video intended to bring the news.
Arnold is said to have been set to featured in the video explaining his decision with staff and the general public.
The decision however was not preceded with and 12 days on the club have released a statement which answers no questions on the future of the player.
Manchester United release Greenwood statement
Moments after this report broke, United released their own statement on the situation in which they addressed the internal investigation.
In a official press release the club said: “This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain, and we have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case.
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“Throughout this process, the welfare and perspective of the alleged victim has been central to the club’s inquiries, and we respect her right to lifelong anonymity.
“We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner.
“The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future.
“Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation. Responsibility ultimately rests with the Chief Executive Officer.
“Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders.
“This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain. We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process.”
With the decision now resting on Arnold, the report which suggested he has already decided on what the club will do about Greenwood makes sense.
A decision is imminent, but undecided
With the club statement, The Athletic‘s report and fact that Manchester United chief operating officer Colette Roche spoke to The Athletic about the Mason Greenwood situation, all signs seem to point toward a decision being imminent.
READ: Manchester United chief operating officer speaks out on Mason Greenwood
Following so many months of radio silence, there is a reason the club have spoken now and therefore it is expected a decision will be made soon.
With all the facts now at United’s disposal, Arnold has a huge decision to make, one which nobody will envy.