On Friday, 24 hours after criminal charges against Mason Greenwood were dropped, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag declined to comment.
Greenwood had been charged with attempted rape and assault, but prosecutors said the case had been dropped after key witnesses withdrew.
United has launched its own internal investigation, and Greenwood is still barred from training and playing for the club.
At a press conference on Friday, Ten Hag said: “I can’t add anything. I refer to the statement of the club.
“In this moment, I can’t give comment about the process. I can’t say anything about it, I refer to the statement of the club and at this moment I can’t add anything.”
Ten Hag said Thursday’s announcement from the Crown Prosecution Service would have no bearing on United’s preparations for Saturday’s match against Crystal Palace, who held United to a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park last month.
“We have always to focus on the game, no matter what, it is our job,” he said. “That is why we are here.
“We have a lot to do against them. Two weeks ago it was a bad performance there, I wasn’t happy with the performance from us, it was 90 percent focus and energy and we dropped two points.
“Tomorrow we need a better game, better focus in the game, better conduct in the way of play because we have to beat them, that’s quite clear.”
United, who secured a place in the League Cup final this week, are fourth in the Premier League table.
Meanwhile after all charges were dropped against Greenwood on Thursday, Manchester United released a statement saying they would carry out their own internal investigations to determine Greenwood’s future at the club.
As seen on the club’s website, the statement read, “Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped.