Mason Greenwood's next move as Man Utd exit leaves questions and unclear future

21 August 2023 , 17:05

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Mason Greenwood is set to leave Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)

What now for Mason Greenwood as Manchester United make the decision to cut ties?

For 12 months United remained silent as one of their star players, a homegrown talent, was charged with serious offences and headed towards trial before prosectuors said they dropped the case following "the withdrawal of key witnesses."

For another six they conducted an internal investigation and weighed up whether to bring him back or end an association that began when he was six years old. All available evidence was assessed, the club said the footballer and alleged victim’s family participated and it took much longer than anybody would have liked to reach a conclusion.

But at 3pm on Monday afternnon the club, its chief executive Richard Arnold and Greenwood released concurrent statements outlining a decision for the 21-year-old to continue his career elsewhere.

Arnold’s comments, framed as an open letter to supporters, were particularly notable considering four days ago it was reported that he had green lighted Greenwood’s return to the United first team.

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That was denied by the club in vague terms following an extensive and compelling investigation by The Athletic which stated it received evidence that senior staff at the club were informed by email of plans to reintegrate the 21-year-old.

But fans, the media and, presumably, staff have aired grievances and now the real decision has been made for Greenwood to find his next club with United’s assistance.

Whether that means a sale or he goes for free is unclear because despite the 878 words published on their website this afternoon there is no mention of whether he is being released or United will continue to pay his £75,000-per-week salary until that next club is found.

They were contractually obliged to continue paying Greenwood his wage on a deal that was meant to run until the summer of 2025.

Not so much Nike, who terminated their endorsement deal a couple of days after his arrest, while EA Sports removed Greenwood from their FIFA games. If those commercial decisions were swift, the legal process and United’s subsequent investigation were snail-paced.

Greenwood will continue his career away from Manchester United (AFP via Getty Images)

The allegations against Greenwood first were made on January 30, 2022. He was arrested later that day on suspicion of rape and assault and United communicated he was suspended later that afternoon. A day later Greater Manchester Police further arrested him on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill.

But it was not until October 15 that another development arrived as he was arrested for an alleged breach of bail and police said he was being formally charged with attempted rape, assault causing actual bodily harm and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.

He was remanded in custody only to be granted conditional bail at a private crown court hearing four days later.

A provisional trial date was set but then in February of this year prosecutors said that the charges were being dropped because "a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction."

United then announced their own investigation with a warning they would not comment until the process was completed. Initially they planned to announce a decision before this season began but it was delayed and last week’s revelation has effectively forced a U-turn.

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It has been framed as a public relations disaster by supporters but this evening there is some sense of closure for United, if not Greenwood.

The 21-year-old last played for United in January 2022 (Getty Images)

For him there is the complex question of which club will take a punt on a player carrying such baggage. He has not been found guilty of any crime but in an era when PR matters more than ever in football that will rule out the majority of clubs from considering a move.

Another factor is what sort of shape he is in after 18 months of inaction. Greenwood has been working out with personal trainers and previously received nutrition plans and other specialist advice to stop his fitness level from completely cratering. United were being sent data from his individual sessions and will have a clearer idea of his condition.

But his last meaningful kick came 20 months ago and he has not even trained with a team since the end of January last year. How long will it take for him to regain sharpness?

After that a club must factor in the supporter reaction and Greenwood will face an inevitable barrage from opposition supporters in every game. That is why a move abroad, away from the intense focus, would serve him better.

Greenwood’s profile, describing him as “an exciting striker who has been well ahead of schedule in terms of his progress”, continues to appear on the club website this evening even though they stopped selling any merchandise with his name soon after the arrest.

That schedule is no longer on track. In his statement today Greenwood said: "I am learning to understand my responsibilities to set a good example as a professional footballer.” Finding a clear path to doing that will be difficult.

Alan Smith