MANCHESTER United have released a statement on the club’s investigation into the future of Mason Greenwood.
The striker, 21, has not played for United since being arrested in January last year.
He was later charged with attempted rape, assault and coercive control, before the charges were dropped in February.
Greenwood has been waiting to discover his fate at United since, with the club remaining tight-lipped over their own internal investigation.
But in a statement released today, the club said it is “in the final stages” of announcing a decision.
It reads: “Following the dropping of all charges against Mason Greenwood in February 2023, Manchester United has conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations made against him.
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“This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain, and we have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case.
“Throughout this process, the welfare and perspective of the alleged victim has been central to the club’s inquiries, and we respect her right to lifelong anonymity.”
The statement continues: “We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner.
“The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future.
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“Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation. Responsibility ultimately rests with the Chief Executive Officer.
“Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders.
“This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain.
The club asked for patience as officials “work through final stages of this carefully considered process”.
It comes after United’s CEO reportedly told senior staff two weeks ago Greenwood would be brought back into the fold.
The club is said to have initially planned to make the sensational announcement on August 4 – before the new season started.
Richard Arnold had intended to film a video message explaining the club’s decision, while also outlining the plan for his reintegration.
Part of the agreement would have also included Greenwood having no involvement with the Manchester United Foundation charity, The Athletic reports.
But no decision has been revealed on whether or not the striker will return.
Chief operating officer Collette Roche also gave an update earlier today, telling The Athletic: “We’ve done a really detailed and thorough internal investigation and we’ve asked as many people as we can around what happened and try to understand it beyond the original investigation done by the police.
“You’d expect us to engage with people who were relevant in terms of stakeholder groups.
“And now we just need to make the decision. That decision is firmly a decision that’s on us.”
United’s women’s team were understood to have reservations, while sponsors were left concerned about being linked to the footballer.
There was also a protest at Old Trafford ahead of their first game of the season on Monday night – led by female fans.
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Several employees within the club are said to be troubled by the prospect of Greenwood’s return.
But manager Eric Tan Hag is understood to be supportive of a comeback.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
