Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has spoken to Mason Greenwood this week.

The Dutch manager phoned Greenwood days after the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges against him for attempted rape, actual bodily harm and coercive or controlling behaviour.

It was the first time Ten Hag had spoken to Greenwood, 21, since taking over as United boss last summer.

All previous contact with the club, which suspended Greenwood after his arrest in January 2022, had been through a third party.

A source told The Sun: “Mason has spent a long time with very little — if any — contact from the club. As and when they were in touch, it was never direct and always through a third party. So for the manager to call him was a big step for him and one he really appreciated.

“The manager enquired how he was feeling physically and mentally and said he was pleased the charges had been dropped.

“He thought it was the right thing to do to get in touch with Mason.

“But he was clear it will be the club rather than him which will decide if Mason can play for United again."

They continued: “Mason's spirits were lifted by it. He has been at United since he was six and just wants to get back to playing football for them.

“He is happiest with a ball at his feet and wants to get his career back on track.

“But he knows the club has a massive decision to make."

Greenwood, who earns around £100,000-a-week, is still contracted to United until 2025.