Mason Greenwood news: Manchester United reiterate stance after striker’s release on bail

Greenwood will not train with or play for United until further notice, the Premier League club have confirmed

Manchester United have confirmed that Mason Greenwood remains suspended from playing for or training with the club despite being released on bail.

The 20-year-old was arrested on Sunday following the alleged rape and assault of a young woman, then further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill while in custody.

A statement by Greater Manchester Police, released on Wednesday, said: "A 20-year-old man arrested on Sunday, January 30, 2022 on suspicion of the rape and assault of a woman has been released on bail pending further investigation."

United announced that Greenwood would not play or train "until further notice" following the arrest and restated that stance on Thursday.

"Manchester United reiterates its strong condemnation of violence of any kind," a earlier statement had read.

Ralf Rangnick, United's interim manager, said that the England international's arrest had not been a distraction ahead of Friday's FA Cup fourth round tie against Middlesbrough.

"In fact we had a good and normal week of training with five sessions including today's training," Rangnick said. "Obviously, I suppose it was a topic within the team but they are all human beings.

"Mason was part of the group before we had our break. But like I said, it was a good week of training and we are looking forward to the game tomorrow."

Rangnick also said Greenwood’s unavailability had influenced the decision to keep Jesse Lingard, who wanted to leave before the end of the transfer window.

“In a way [it was a factor], yes, but in the end the club also told me, the board told me, they couldn’t find an agreement with any of those clubs that were interested in him,” the German said.

Mason Greenwood was a regular under Ralf Rangnick (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire)

“With the window closing Monday evening, in the afternoon the board informed me they would rather want him to stay. For me, that was a decision that I could fully understand and accept.

“So, it was two things. One thing was obviously that we had a problem with Mason Greenwood and being without a player for the time being that has played regularly in the last couple of weeks.

“And on the other hand, the club couldn’t find an agreement with any other club.”

The Old Trafford club have told supporters that they can exchange replica shirts bearing Greenwood's name at the club's official store.

Nike have suspended their sponsorship of Greenwood, stating that they are "deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation".