Mason Greenwood shirt number twist as Man Utd prepare announcement
Mason Greenwood has been left off Manchester United's squad number list
PA
Manchester United haven't named Mason Greenwood on their list of provisional squad numbers for the upcoming season.
The England international's future at Old Trafford remains shrouded in uncertainty after charges of attempted rape and assault were dropped in February.
United are due to announce their decision on Greenwood prior to their opening Premier League fixture against Wolves on Monday.
And the club have now left the striker off their list of provisional squad numbers for the 2022/2023 season.
Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood had charges dropped against him in February
PA
Greenwood's profile still appears on the United website.
He was given the No 11 jersey back in 2020 after shining under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
But with United yet to announce their final decision on the forward, it appears they're being cautious by leaving him off the list.
Greenwood was, at the time of his arrest, viewed as one of the best young forwards in the whole of world football.
Reports say Erik ten Hag, who has previously praised the striker's goalscoring record, is reluctant to sell the forward.
Greenwood has been spotted training amid his exile from the United first-team.
The 21-year-old was recently snapped being put through his paces by a private coach, with his father Andrew and newborn child also in attendance.
Greenwood has scored 35 goals from 129 appearances for United since making his debut in under Solskjaer back in 2019.
Should he return to action, he'd compete with Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial for a starting berth.
But United may also choose to sell the striker or even loan him out so he can spend a year regaining match fitness.
United legend Wayne Rooney, meanwhile, was recently asked about Greenwood and what the future could hold.
And the former Red Devils star expressed a belief that a parting of ways would be best for everybody involved.
“It leaves Mason Greenwood in a position where he is stuck," he said.
"So for Mason, it’s a bad position to be in because I’m sure he just wants to play football.
"But for the club, its image and ensuring they make the right decisions, it’s almost a catch 22.
"I think the best thing for Mason now is to get out of the club and go and develop somewhere else.
"He needs to get back playing because it has been a long time.
"With everything that has happened and how long the internal investigation has taken, it’s probably got to a place now where Mason just needs to go and play and to try and get his career back on track.
"It’s a difficult position for Mason but for the club as well.
"You have to make sure you get to the right decision before moving forward and it looks like they’re really struggling to get to that place.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Mason Greenwood has scored 35 goals for Manchester United from 129 appearances
PA
If Greenwood does leave on loan, Italy has been mooted as a potential destination.
Atalanta, Juventus and AC Milan have all been linked with the United star. An announcement is expected within the next few days.