Manchester United has revealed that Mason Greenwood will be departing from the club after an internal inquiry into allegations of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behavior, and assault made against him.
The specifics of Greenwood's departure remain uncertain.
The club issued a statement acknowledging the challenges of Mason resuming his career at Manchester United. As a result, it has been mutually decided that it is best for him to pursue his career outside of Old Trafford. The club will now collaborate with Mason to assist him in achieving this goal. Following the discontinuation of the case by the Crown Prosecution Service, the 21-year-old was temporarily suspended from Manchester United training and matches.
The CPS stated in February that due to the withdrawal of crucial witnesses and the emergence of new evidence, there was no longer a viable chance of securing a conviction in this case.
Greenwood, who was a product of Manchester United's academy, made his final appearance for the club on January 22, 2022.
Manchester United's statement in full
Manchester United has completed its internal inquiry into the accusations leveled against Mason Greenwood."Our process began in February 2023, after all charges against Mason were dropped. Throughout this process, we have carefully considered the wishes, rights, and perspective of the alleged victim, as well as the standards and values of the club. We have strived to gather as much information and context as possible, even seeking out evidence that is not publicly available, including input from individuals with direct knowledge of the case.
After examining the available evidence, we have concluded that the material posted online does not tell the full story, and that Mason did not commit the offenses for which he was initially charged. However, Mason acknowledges his mistakes and takes full responsibility for them."
Mason Greenwood statement in full
"I acknowledge that I may face scrutiny based on what has been portrayed on social media, and I am aware that negative assumptions may be made."I have been raised with the understanding that violence or abuse in any relationship is unacceptable. I want to make it clear that I did not commit the actions I was accused of, and I was proven innocent in February. Nevertheless, I acknowledge that I made errors in my relationship and I take responsibility for the circumstances that resulted in the social media post.
I am currently striving to comprehend my duties in order to set a positive example as a professional footballer. My primary focus is on fulfilling my responsibilities as a father and being a supportive partner.
Today's decision was reached through a collaborative process involving Manchester United, my family, and myself. After careful consideration, it has been determined that the best course of action is for me to pursue my football career elsewhere, so as to avoid causing any distractions for the club at Old Trafford. I would like to express my gratitude to the club for their unwavering support since I first joined at the age of seven. While moving on, a part of me will always remain connected to Manchester United.
I am extremely thankful to my family and all of my loved ones for their continual support, and now it is my turn to repay the trust that those around me have placed in me. My goal is to not only become a better footballer, but more importantly, to be a devoted father, a improved individual, and to utilize my talents in a positive manner both on and off the field.
Richard Arnold's open letter to Manchester United fans
Richard Arnold is the CEO of Manchester United:Dear fans,
Now that we have completed and publicly disclosed the results of the club's investigation into Mason Greenwood, I aim to honestly and openly communicate with our fans regarding the procedure and the factors behind our verdict.
This was an internal inquiry of disciplinary nature, typically conducted privately between the employer and employee. However, considering the public nature of the accusations and Mason's reputation, I recognize that this was an exceptional circumstance. Nevertheless, I believed it was crucial to adhere to proper procedures and minimize media commentary until a conclusive decision was reached.
When audio and visual material was shared online in January 2022, I was shocked and concerned for the alleged victim. Since then, the well-being, desires, and perspective of the victim have remained central to our club's approach, along with our values and standards. Once we learned of the incident, we immediately suspended Mason pending an investigation, understanding our duty of care towards him and the need for thorough information before making a decision. The police and the Crown Prosecution Service were initially responsible for handling this matter until February of this year, when the charges were dropped. Only then did the club engage in discussions with Mason and other individuals involved in the case.
Our investigation aimed to gather a significant amount of evidence to establish the facts and context. This process was neither quick nor straightforward due to various reasons. It was crucial for us to respect the rights and wishes of the alleged victim. Additionally, our limited investigative powers meant we relied on cooperation from third parties. Timing was also influenced by my desire to minimize the impact of the investigation on our men's and women's teams, as well as the Lionesses. I acknowledge that this extended the period for speculation, but the alternative would have been to compromise due process or create untimely disruption.
Due to evidentiary limitations, we were unable to access specific evidence, but the evidence we obtained enabled us to determine that Mason is not guilty of the charges levied against him. Legal restrictions prevent me from providing extensive details, as well as safeguarding the alleged victim's right to remain anonymous. However, I can share the following information with you, which sheds light on the intricate nature of this case.
• In April 2022, the alleged victim requested the police to cease their investigation.
• Given a short excerpt from a longer recording and the images shared online, we were presented with alternative explanations.
• The family of the alleged victim actively engaged in the process and were granted the chance to scrutinize and rectify any factual findings we had made.
Last week, it was reported in the media that we had made the decision to reintegrate Mason and that details of a plan to do so had been leaked. Reintegration was among the potential outcomes that were considered and planned for. To provide some context, we have deliberated and prepared for various outcomes over the past six months, and my own perspective has evolved as our process has progressed. While the final decision ultimately rested with me, I took into account different factors and viewpoints right up until the moment when I finalized my decision.
I am confident that Mason did not commit the alleged acts he was charged with. However, Mason has acknowledged that he made mistakes for which he takes responsibility. Additionally, I am aware of the challenges Mason would face in rebuilding his career while simultaneously raising a child with his partner under the intense scrutiny of Manchester United. Furthermore, this case has generated strong opinions, and it is my duty to minimize any distractions that could hinder the unity we are striving for within the club.
we have made the decision that Mason will pursue rebuilding his career outside of Manchester United. However, this does not signify the completion of the situation. The club remains committed to providing support to both the individual who made the allegation and Mason, assisting them in their journey to rebuild and progress positively in their lives.
We appreciate your ongoing support.
Richard Arnold