Football

Manchester United Have Announced the Departure of Mason Greenwood Following Rape Charges

Manchester United Have Announced the Departure of Mason Greenwood Following Rape Charges
Football

Manchester United Have Announced the Departure of Mason Greenwood Following Rape Charges

Manchester United Have Announced the Departure of Mason Greenwood Following Rape Charges

Manchester United have announced their decision that Mason Greenwood will  depart the club after a six-month investigation into his conduct concluded. The decision, mutually agreed upon by the club and Greenwood, marks the end of the striker's tenure at Old Trafford. The 21-year-old's potential reintegration into the United first-team squad had faced strong opposition both externally and internally with critiquing the ethics of the ‘Big 6’ club.

Greenwood's departure comes in the wake of serious legal allegations. In October 2022, he was charged by Greater Manchester Police with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault following a series of leaked photos and videos on social media. Charges were however were dropped by February after the Crown Prosecution Service cited a lack of realistic prospects of conviction, primarily due to key witnesses withdrawing their cooperation from the investigation. Throughout the process, Greenwood consistently denied all charges.

The decision for Greenwood to leave United was taken with the intention of allowing him to continue his professional career elsewhere. United is committed to working with Greenwood to find an appropriate club for his next step. Despite his departure, the young striker still has two years remaining on a lucrative contract.

The internal investigation conducted by Manchester United has found that Mason Greenwood did not commit the alleged offences. However, in the best interest of all parties involved, it has been determined that he should part ways with the club. In an official statement, the club clarified: 

“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.”

Manchester United's Greenwood statement
Manchester United's Greenwood statement

Since his last appearance for Manchester United in a 1-0 victory against West Ham at Old Trafford on January 22, 2022, Greenwood has not played for the team. He was arrested later that month. While he remains under full pay, Greenwood could either be sold or loaned out for the duration of his contract and will not participate in training with Erik ten Hag's squad during this time.

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