Manchester United have announced that embattled forward
Mason Greenwood will leave the club following internal investigations into
allegations made against the player.
Greenwood was suspended indefinitely in 2022 by the club
after allegations of rape and assault were made by his girlfriend.
The 21-year-old was included in United’s team for the season
after charges against him were dropped in February, with the prosecutor citing
the “withdrawal of key witnesses and new material coming to light.”
Manchester United said in a statement that it has agreed
with the player to leave the club.
“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.”
“I don’t want my presence to be a distraction for the club”
Following the news, Greenwood also released a statement
saying that he agrees with the decision made by the club, and he does not want to be a distraction for
the club.
“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 joined the club at the age of seven, and he went
on to make 130 appearances, scoring 36 goals for the club.
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