On Monday, Manchester United announced that Mason Greenwood will be leaving the club following an internal investigation into the allegations of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault against him.
It is now evident his career will be away from Old Trafford. According to Sky Sports, the decision by United is more to do with a a public backlash over reintegrating the player than the findings of the club’s internal investigation.
United said in a statement: “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.”
Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 following allegations surrounding material which was published online.
Charges against the 21-year-old England international, including attempted rape and assault were dropped on 2 February 2023.
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That is when United’s probe led by CEO Richard Arnold began to determine his future at the club. The final outcome according to reports was not the original plan nor what the club wanted for a forward whose value was in excess of £100m at the time of his arrest last year.
In a statement last week the club said they had gathered “extensive evidence and context not in the public domain” and spoken to “numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case
The club mentioned that welcoming the academy graduate back was one of the scenarios as mentioned by several employees and needed to explain the thinking to key stakeholders – including the women’s team.
An announcement of the investigation’s results was expected before United’s opening Premier League game of the season against Wolves on 14 August, but the decision was delayed.
A group of female United supporters protested about his potential return outside Old Trafford before the Wolves game, and said they wanted the club to “demonstrate a zero-tolerance approach” towards violence against women.
In a statement the 21 year old.” I did not do the things I was accused of but I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.”
In an open letter, Arnold, wrote: “I am mindful of the challenge that Mason would face rebuilding his career and raising a baby together with his partner in the harsh spotlight of Manchester United.
“Further, this case has provoked strong opinions, and it is my responsibility to minimise any distraction to the unity we are seeking within the club.”
United have maintained that they did not need to ascertain whether Greenwood had committed a criminal offence but whether his actions were in keeping with the values the institution wants to hold.
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As Greenwood embarks on a new chapter in his career, his journey will be closely watched by fans and the football world, with hopes that he can channel his immense talent into a successful and fulfilling career.
