English football giants Manchester United and Mason Greenwood have mutually agreed that his future will be away from the club following the conclusion of their internal investigation.
Club statement.#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 21, 2023
Mason Greenwood also released a statement of his own, where he agreed that the best option for him was to leave the club.
Read the statement in full:
“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.”
Greenwood was under a club investigation after the UK Police in February dropped the charges of sexual assault and harassment initially leveled against him. He had been charged in October 2022, with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The United forward denied all the charges.
The case was initially reported in January 2022, and has been suspended since then.
Reports say that Manchester United had considered bringing him back to the team, but did a U-turn after a barrage of criticisms from politicians, women’s right activists and others.
Greenwood played 112 times for United, scoring 35 goals.