Man Utd agree Greenwood's future won't be at Old Trafford

Manchester United have released a statement following the club's investigation into Mason Greenwood, who was suspended by the Premier League giants in January 2022, as he faced criminal charges, including attempted rape and sexual assault over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for England and Wales announced in February 2023 however that the case had been discontinued, due in part to the withdrawal of key witnesses.

The Red Devils began their own investigation in February, and after seven months have published the conclusions reached, which ultimately mean that the striker will continue his career "away from Old Trafford".

With Greenwood suspended for over a year and a half, the club had planned to announce their decision on his future by the start of the 2023-24 season, but announced a delay as they wanted to consult with players from their women's side who were away representing runners-up England at the World Cup in Australia.

A statement was released last week acknowledging that the final decision "ultimately rests with the chief executive officer [Richard Arnold]". Now on Monday, the Manchester outfit have put out a nuanced statement bringing the investigation to its end.

The investigation reportedly "concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture" and they believe "Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged".  The statement adds however that "Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for". 

The communication ends acknowledging the "mutually agreed" decision that Greenwood would face considerable "difficulties .. recommencing his career at Manchester United" and therefore he will step away from the club, although they will "work with Mason to achieve that outcome".

 

August 21, 2023

CEO Arnold released a statement himself as well through the club's channels to the fans, which reads similarly to the first communication, but sheds light on some other interesting details of the investigation.

He wrote that the "alleged victim requested the police to drop their investigation in April 2022" - which is just four months after Greenwood was first suspended, and a full 10 months before the investigation was finally discontinued. It's also revealed that their family "participated in the process and were given the opportunity to review and correct our factual findings".

In further explaining the reasons for the "mutual" decision for the striker to step away from the club, Arnold also cited the "strong opinions" provoked by the case could distract from "the unity we are seeking within the club". The 21-year-old also has a baby with his current partner, and United's CEO recognised how tricky that could be in the "harsh spotlight" of Man United.

Despite the investigation coming to a close, "that does not signal the end of this matter", added Arnold. "The club will continue to offer its support both to the alleged victim and Mason to help them rebuild and move forward positively with their lives", he finished.

 

August 21, 2023