Manchester United have confirmed that English international forward, Mason Greenwood, will be leaving the club following a six-month internal investigation into his conduct. Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 concerning allegations tied to material posted online.
On February 2, 2023, charges, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped against the 21-year-old footballer. In a statement, Manchester United expressed that the club and Greenwood faced difficulties with the striker resuming his career at the club. As a result, it was mutually agreed that Greenwood’s career continuation would be better suited away from Old Trafford.
The club has clarified that the material appearing online did not offer a comprehensive picture and further investigation indicated that Greenwood was not guilty of the offenses leveled against him. Nevertheless, Greenwood accepted his responsibility for the mistakes made, as evidenced in his public 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,” United said in a statement.
“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.”
Greenwood, in a personal statement, acknowledged his mistakes and accepted his share of responsibility. He claimed not to have committed the wrongdoings he was accused of. He expressed his gratitude towards the club for their support dating back to when he joined at seven years old. Greenwood described the club’s decision as a collaborative process between himself, his family, and Manchester United.
Greenwood asserted his intention to be not just a better footballer but also a better father and person, vowing to use his talent positively both on and off the pitch. The forward deemed it necessary to make up for the trust imparted on him by those around him.
“The 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,” Greenwood said.
“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.”
