United confirm Greenwood will leave Old Trafford

Matthew Hill
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Mason Greenwood will leave Manchester United to resume his football career
Mason Greenwood will leave Manchester United to resume his football career

Manchester United and Mason Greenwood have mutually agreed to part ways.

Greenwood, 21, had been suspended by the Red Devils since January 2022 over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online.

The forward was facing charges including rape and sexual assault up until six months ago when the Crown Prosecution Service announced his case had been discontinued.

Since then, United have been weighing up their next course of action and have now announced the academy graduate will be moving on from his boyhood club.

A statement read: "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."

Greenwood statement

Club CEO Richard Arnold and Greenwood have also released statements on the matter.

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."

Greenwood scored 35 goals in 129 matches for United and earned a solitary England cap against Iceland in September 2020.

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Manchester UnitedPremier LeagueMason Greenwood