Updated 21 Aug 2023 4:59 pm:
After six months of internal investigations Manchester United have finally concluded that Mason Greenwood will leave the club. The 21-year-old striker was arrested in January 2022 following allegations of abuse and attempted rape, charges were dropped in February 2023.
In a statement, the club said: “Our process commenced in February 2023, following all charges against Mason being dropped. Throughout, we have taken into account the wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values and sought to collate as much information and context as possible.
“Based on the evidence available to us we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that, Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged. That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.”
The rumours that the striker could have been reintegrated into and was training with Erik ten Hag’s senior squad were met with enormous fan backlash and protests with people claiming not to support the club if Greenwood was to come back. United has now confirmed that they have mutually agreed to part with the striker.
Greenwood accepted this as the best decision for him not to play for United again. Following the decision Greenwood expressed remorse. In a statement, the striker said: “I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and I know that people will think the worst.
“I was brought up to know that violence or abuse in any relationship is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges.
“However, I fully accept that I made a mistake in my relationship, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post. I am learning to understand my responsibilities to set a good example as a professional footballer, and I’m focused on the big responsibilities of being a father, as well as a good partner.”
The internal investigations were overseen by United’s CEO Richard Arnold, during the process, stakeholders and relevant parties were spoken to in order to come to a conclusion. Within the club, there were reports of staff being divided with a large amount feeling unhappy with the prospect of Greenwood returning.
Arnold said in a statement that reintegrating Greenwood was “considered and planned for” earlier this month. Arnold said: “Reintegration was one of the outcomes we considered and planned for. For context, over the course of the past six months, several outcomes have been contemplated and planned for, and my view has evolved as our process progressed.
“While the ultimate decision rested with me, I was taking various factors into account right up until the point of finalising my decision.”
United added: “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United. It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.”
United have not mentioned whether they will loan Greenwood out for the rest of his contract or they will reach a settlement, as stated above Greenwood has not played since his arrest in January 2022, he has one full senior cap for England, scored 35 goals and made 129 appearances for the club.
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