Gary Neville responds to Man Utd confirming Mason Greenwood Old Trafford exit
Gary Neville has said Manchester United have made the "right decision" on Mason Greenwood - but raised questions over the process that led to their final decision.
United confirmed on Monday that Greenwood will leave the club following an internal investigation. In February of this year, the 21-year-old had charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.
The decision comes after serious fan backlash following reports last week which claimed that United figureheads - led by chief executive Richard Arnold - had told club staff for prepare for Greenwood's return. There were suggestions that the forward, 21, was to be reintegrated into Erik ten Hag's first-team squad but now the club have opted to shelve plans and part ways.
"All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United," they said, as part of a lengthy statement. "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."
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker had earlier given his verdict, saying "Inevitable and right decision on an untenable situation". Neville was duly asked about the situation on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football broadcast.
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The former United captain said: "Yes, they have made the right decision and finally got there. However, the process of getting there has been pretty horrible.
"Manchester United, when you have significant situations and difficult situations like this, you need strong and authoritative leadership, and Manchester United don’t have that. On an issue like domestic abuse and violence against women, it brings me to third point that there needs to be an independent review, it should not be that Manchester United are the judge and jury on a significant situation, not only for themselves, but also for the game.
"People talk about the representation of Manchester United, but it’s the Premier League as well. My view is on issues of this importance and severity, they should be dealt with independently because it’s clear that Manchester United have not had the skill and ability to deal with this situation - it’s been well above their experience and ability."
Manchester United have reached a decision on Mason Greenwood's future (Getty Images)In his own statement, released on Monday, Greenwood said: "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.
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."
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