*Note: This is an updated article on Greenwood
For the better part of 18 months, there has been no clarity on Mason Greenwood’s future at Manchester United.
The 21-year-old had remained contracted to United until the middle of 2025 but has not played for the Red Devils since January 22 last year, just before allegations of rape and assault came to light.
The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service ultimately dropped the charges, but Manchester United was yet to reveal an internal investigation’s outcome.
Yet, it’s now been confirmed that he will be leaving the club.
In a bombshell statement, the youngster denied he did the things he was accused of, and explained the reasoning behind his decision to leave Old Trafford.
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“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,” he wrote.
“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.
“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.”
IT’S BEEN NEARLY 18 MONTHS SINCE GREENWOOD LAST PLAYED COMPETITIVE FOOTBALL
Earlier this year, it was reported that various options are being considered in a possible phased return to Manchester United action.
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However, a group called ‘Female Fans Against Greenwood’s Return’ had made it clear they would not accept such a decision.
“Today, we female fans of Manchester United are demanding that the club to abide by their duty of care towards their female fans and employees and demonstrate a zero tolerance approach towards acts of violence against women by refusing to bring Mason Greenwood back into the squad,” read their statement.
“The situation is clear – taking Greenwood back legitimises and normalises sexual assault and domestic abuse. It tells other players and the men and boys that look up to them, that abusing women is acceptable, without consequence, and won’t affect you or derail your career.
“It also tells us, as women, that we don’t matter. It tells female MUFC employees that their employer is happy to make them work alongside an abuser and tells hundreds of thousands of female fans that supporting the team we love involves supporting men who abuse women like us.
“It tells us that our safety doesn’t matter, our experiences don’t matter, that the 1 in 4 women who experience domestic abuse and/or sexual assault in the UK don’t matter. It tells us that men who make the club money matter, not us, our fellow fans, mothers, sisters or daughters.”
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United also released the following statement on Monday:
“Manchester United has concluded its internal investigation into the allegations made against Mason Greenwood.
“Our process commenced in February 2023, following all charges against Mason being dropped. Throughout, we have taken into account the wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible. 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.”
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