Manchester United have confirmed that Mason Greenwood will be leaving the club after admitting that they ‘recognise the difficulties’ of him returning to the fold, though the club maintain that ‘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’.
The Englishman was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in January 2022, though the case has since been dropped after a key witness removed themselves from the prosecution.
Greenwood has denied these claims, though audio evidence posted on social media has left him guilty in the eyes of plenty on social media.
Manchester United have been investigating the situation privately since February, and the Athletic report that the plan had been to announce his reintegration on August 4th, along with a video explaining the situation.
However, this has since been shelved following significant fan backlash and this publicity has forced Manchester United to re-evalute their stance on the situation. As a result, they have decided against re-integrating the Englishman.
“Manchester United has concluded its internal investigation into the allegations made against Mason Greenwood”, the club wrote.
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.”
Meanwhile, Mason Greenwood also released a 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.”
