Mason Greenwood saga won’t distract Man Utd players, Erik ten Hag says – as angry fans are set to continue protests

MANCHESTER United boss Erik ten Hag has insisted Mason Greenwood's possible return to the team won't distract players.

The striker, 21, has been suspended since January last year after his arrest for rape and sexual assault.

He was charged in October but the charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Now, after 18-months on the sideline, club bosses are ready to give Greenwood a second chance at Old Trafford.

A final decision by United's chief executive Richard Arnold is expected after the Lionesses World Cup final against Spain on Sunday.

But protests against Greenwood's possible return have gathered pace in recent days with more expected this weekend.

Demonstrators marched outside Old Trafford before Monday’s opening home game against Wolves, urging United to block a return.

On Thursday, Countdown host Rachel Riley vowed to stop supporting Manchester United if they welcome back Greenwood.

But speaking at a press conference ahead of United's clash with Tottenham on Saturday, ten Hag said he and the team won't be distracted by off-field issues.

Confronting both the Greenwood issue and club takeover saga, the Dutchman said: "No, we focus on the way of playing.

"We focus on the team performance. It is about the players who are available so we focus on Tottenham.

"Every start to the season is difficult. We know that, we are really aware of it. The (Wolves) performance was not what we hoped but we won."

Greenwood's last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham, which United won 1-0.

In June, Greenwood was spotted working on his close control and shooting in a 90-minute session on an £85-an-hour pitch.

He was then filmed last week running drills with pals at a public sports facility.

It comes as anti-Glazer protests have erupted over the American owners’ refusal to accept bids in excess of £5billion for United.

Qatari Emir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have shown interest in the North West club following the launch of a strategic review nine months ago.