Manchester United is set to part ways with Mason Greenwood following the completion of the club’s inquiry into the striker’s situation.
The 22-year-old, who faced arrest in January 2022 over alleged offenses, including attempted rape, will no longer don the Manchester United jersey. Instead, he is expected to either embark on a loan spell or reach a contractual resolution.
Although the Crown Prosecution Service eventually dropped the charges against Greenwood in February due to the withdrawal of key witnesses and the emergence of new evidence, his absence from the pitch has been notable.
United had initiated an independent investigation, which has now reached its conclusion. The club’s findings indicate that Greenwood did not commit the charges brought against him. Nevertheless, the decision has been reached that it would be in the best interest of all parties involved for Greenwood to pursue his future away from the confines of Old Trafford.
Manchester United’s official statement:
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. This has required us to proceed with sensitivity and care to obtain evidence not in the public domain, including from those with direct knowledge of the case.
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.
All those involved, including Mason, recognize 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.
Mason Greenwood reacted to the club’s decision, further expressing gratitude to his family and loved ones for their support.
“Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me. The best decision for us all, is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club”, he added.
Read Mason Greenwood’s statement below:
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 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 I made mistakes 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 responsibility of being a father, as well as a good partner.
Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me. The best decision for us all, is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club. I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me which is United.
I am enormously grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support, and it is now for me to repay the trust those around me have shown. I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.
