Manchester United has made a significant announcement regarding Mason Greenwood, revealing that he will be departing from the club following an internal investigation into serious allegations, including attempted rape, coercive behavior, and assault.
The manner in which Greenwood will depart has not been clarified.
The club’s official statement expressed, “All parties involved, including Mason himself, recognize the complexities surrounding his potential return to Manchester United. As a result, a mutual understanding has been reached that it would be most appropriate for him to continue his career away from Old Trafford. Our focus now is to collaborate with Mason to ensure a smooth transition.”
Greenwood, who came through Manchester United’s youth system, had been suspended from participating in the club’s training and matches while an internal inquiry took place. This followed the decision by the Crown Prosecution Service to drop its case against Greenwood.
In a statement released in February, the CPS explained, “In light of key witnesses retracting their statements and new evidence emerging, the prospect of securing a conviction became unrealistic.”
Greenwood’s most recent appearance for Manchester United was on January 22, 2022.
He has represented England on the senior level, earning a single cap during a Nations League match against Iceland in September 2020.
CEO of Man Utd, Richard Arnold, also shared insights in a statement, mentioning that the potential reintegration of Greenwood into the first team had been a carefully considered and planned process. This follows reports earlier this month that United’s top officials had been informed about the possibility of Greenwood’s return.
Arnold remarked, “Reintegration was one of the scenarios we meticulously evaluated and prepared for. It’s important to note that over the past six months, we’ve explored multiple scenarios, and my perspective evolved as we progressed through our discussions. While the ultimate decision was mine, I took into account a variety of factors and viewpoints as we finalized our course of action.”
Manchester United’s statement in full
“Manchester United has concluded its internal investigation into the allegations made against Mason Greenwood.
“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, 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.”
Mason Greenwood’s Full Statement
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.
