Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer are included in Man United’s Europa League squad

Wout Weghorst has been included in Manchester United’s Europa League squad for the knockout stages.

United have added the striker to their squad along with fellow January signings Marcel Sabitzer and Jack Butland, but Cristiano Ronaldo was removed from the list after leaving the club in November.

However, there was no sign of Mason Greenwood after all attempted rape and assault charges against the footballer were dropped on Thursday.

United then announced they would ‘conduct their own process before determining next steps’ on the 21-year-old’s future. 

Despite not being included in their squad, it does not necessarily mean Greenwood is ruled out for the knockout stages, with the forward able to be added to the club’s ‘B list’ of players. 

Wout Weghorst has been included in Man United’s Europa League squad for the knockouts

Fellow January signings Marcel Sabitzer (L) and Jack Butland (R) were also included

According to UEFA, a ‘B’ list player can be any player born on or after January 1 1996 who has been eligible to play for their club for a continuous period of two years since they turned 15 – a criteria that 21-year-old Greenwood fulfils.

Despite selecting a maximum of 25 in the initial ‘A’ list squad, with eight places reserved for ‘locally trained players’, an unlimited number of players can be put on the ‘B’ list during the season – and clubs don’t have to publish the full B list. 

However, the list does have to be confirmed the day before a matchday – but this all means there is no definitive answer as to whether Greenwood will be involved in United’s Europa League plans or not.

There have been plenty of questions over whether Greenwood will play for the club again, with the forward still named on the first-team squad page on United’s official website.

The former England international was even included among Under 21 players on United’s official Premier League squad list at the beginning of the season despite being suspended by the club.

Greenwood was, however, dropped from the Europa League squad due to the charges and his suspension.

After United revealed they would ‘conduct their own process’ into the Greenwood situation before deciding on their next course of action, a United statement said:

‘Man United notes the decision of the CPS that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped. 

‘The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps. We won’t make any further comment until that process is complete.’ 

Mason Greenwood saw all the charges of attempted rape and assault against him dropped

Greenwood was charged in October 2022 but a decision was made to discontinue prosecution in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors

The England international was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in October 2022. All three charges related to the same woman. 

The player was first held in January over allegations relating to a young woman, after images and videos were posted online. 

United named their Europa League squad, but Greenwood was nowhere to be seen

He was later suspended from United on full pay and removed from the FIFA 22 game. 

On Thursday afternoon, a decision was made to discontinue prosecution after ‘the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light’, the Crown Prosecution Service said

Greenwood said in a short statement: ‘I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support. 

‘There will be no further comment at this time.’

Greenwood, who has scored 35 goals in 129 matches for United since making his debut in March 2019, was suspended by the club on January 30 last year, shortly after his arrest by Greater Manchester Police.

His last match for United was in the 1-0 Premier League win over West Ham on January 22 last year, with his last goal coming in a 3-1 win at Brentford three days beforehand. Greenwood’s No 11 shirt number has not been re-allocated. 

His sole appearance for the England national team was against Iceland in September 2020. 

It remains to be seen if Greenwood will return to the United squad under boss Erik ten Hag who will yet to have seen him in action in games or training due to his year-long suspension.