21 August 2023 , 14:06
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Manchester United have confirmed Mason Greenwood will depart the club after concluding their investigation.
Greenwood, 21, has not played for United since he was arrested in January 2022. In February, charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
United then began their own internal investigation into the incident and there have been protests from supporters in recent weeks about a potential return, including at the opening match of the season against Wolves.
The Red Devils were forced to issue a statement last week to insist a decision hadn't been reached amid claims CEO Richard Arnold had told staff he was due to return.
Boss Erik ten Hag has been reluctant to comment on the investigation but did say on United's pre-season tour: "I have said my ideas and opinions but it's a club decision. We all have to accept that. I can't say so much about it, but what I say is I shared my opinion about it."
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He had been training individually, with United receiving data from the sessions, but the club announced their decision on Monday afternoon, confirming it had been "mutually agreed" that Greenwood would depart.
Greenwood joined United aged six and progressed through the ranks at Old Trafford before making his debut under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Champions League in 2019.
He was a regular over the course of the next two seasons and made 24 appearances in the 2021-22 campaign before his arrest. Greenwood has also one cap for England, coming in a UEFA Nations League win over Iceland.
Man Utd statement in full
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.