Manchester United outcast Mason Greenwood has reportedly received a controversial lifeline regarding his future in England.
Greenwood was sent out on loan to Spanish club Getafe at the beginning of this term following the conclusion of an internal investigation into the player's potential return to the Red Devils' first team.
The 22-year-old was arrested in January 2022 on charges of attempted rape, assault occasioning bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behaviour.
Those charges were dropped about a year later in February 2023 after a number of witnesses withdrew from the case, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed.
The Englishman was then the subject of an internal investigation by United, with the process spanning six months as the club considered whether or not the striker would return to the team on a full-time basis, be sold or loaned out, or have his contract terminated.
The commercial backlash his return would cause was also taken into consideration, in addition to the outrage it would spark in many quarters at the club, including the United women's team, with it ultimately being decided that he should restart his career elsewhere, resulting in the loan to Getafe.
Since then, there has been increasing speculation over Greenwood's future, with his temporary deal in Spain now in its final months.
It has also been rumoured that several clubs are interested in his services next season, including FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
With many believing his time with United has already ended, albeit unofficially, it is now being reported that the striker has received a contentious lifeline.
According to The Sun, the United squad are open to welcoming him back into the team next season following his relatively successful loan stint in LALIGA, while it has also been claimed by the Mirror that the players are supportive of his return following a poll among them, believing it would be a good "footballing decision".
It is also noted, however, that allowing him back to the Theatre of Dreams would likely be met with resistance by fans and that the club's image could be negatively impacted as a result.
Greenwood has eight goals and five assists in 27 appearances across all competitions for Getafe this season.
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