MANCHESTER United today revealed they have AXED Mason Greenwood as the striker said: “I understand people will judge me”.
The 21-year-old will not be returning to Old Trafford following a club investigation into his behaviour following his January 2022 arrest.
In a statement released this afternoon, the club confirmed they had finished the probe into Greenwood.
But they did not reveal what the striker‘s future holds – including whether his £75,000-a-week contract will be terminated or if he will be put on loan or sold.
Greenwood’s fate had remained uncertain after he was suspended by Utd in the wake of his charge for attempted rape, assault and coercive control – even after the case was dropped.
The club said they had 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”.
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Utd confirmed they examined evidence that was “not in the public domain”, including “from those with direct knowledge of the case”.
The club added: “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.
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“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 also released a statement where he insisted he had not done what he was accused of but was “learning to understand my responsibilities as a professional footballer”.
He added: “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 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, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.
“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.”
Man Utd CEO Richard Arnold has also written an open letter to fans saying he wanted to be “direct and transparent” about the reasons for today’s decision.
The chief said he felt “shock and concern” for the alleged victim when the allegations first emerged.
He said: “While we immediately concluded that Mason should be suspended pending investigation, we were also conscious of our duty of care towards him and the importance of making a decision based on full information.
“Until February this year, this was a matter for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service. It was only when charges were dropped that the club discussed the allegations with Mason and others involved in the case.”
Mr Arnold said the investigation “sought to collate as much evidence as possible to establish facts and context”, which was “not quick or straightforward”.
The CEO also said it was “essential for us to respect the rights and wishes of the alleged victim” as he concluded Greenwood did not commit the offences he was accused of.
But he did say Greenwood has “made mistakes which takes responsibility for” as he accepted the striker now faces a challenge in rebuilding his career.
This included the alleged victim asking police to drop the probe in April 2022 and her family “participating in the process”.
Mr Arnold continued: “Last week the media reported that we had decided to reintegrate Mason and that elements of a plan to do so had been leaked to them.
“Reintegration was one of the outcomes we considered and planned for. For context, over the course of the past six months several outcomes have been contemplated and planned for, and my view has evolved as our process progressed.
“While the ultimate decision rested with me, I was taking various factors and views into account right up until the point of finalising my decision.
“Although we have decided that Mason will seek to rebuild his career away from Manchester United, that does not signal the end of this matter. The club will continue to offer its support both to the alleged victim and Mason to help them rebuild and move forward positively with their lives.
“Thank you for your continued support.”
The Sun told in April how Greenwood had given up on his dream of playing for the Red Devils again after telling pals he would never kick a ball for them again.
The decision to kick him out of Old Trafford was taken by club CEO Richard Arnold in conjunction with American owner Joel Glazer following more than five months of intense discussions.
The club finally acted after some staff voiced concerns internally about plans to bring him back into the squad despite receiving the backing of manager Erik ten Hag and the majority of the first team players.
As it became clear United were seriously considering giving Greenwood another chance, opposition from United’s fan base grew with Countdown TV presenter Rachel Riley and Westlife singer Bryan McFadden making clear they opposed the move.
Other supporters wrote to Arnold directly and made clear their opposition on social media while a group of female fans also staged a protest outside Old Trafford before United’s first game of the season against Wolves.
Local politicians also urged the club to “do the right thing” after documents were leaked that detailed which pundits, journalists and politicians would be for and against Greenwood’s return.
Among the organisations classed as “hostile” are domestic abuse charities.
Labour MP Andrew Western, who represents the constituency of Stretford and Urmston where United’s stadium is, tweeted: “Really disappointed at how United have handled this. They should be focused on making the correct decision, speaking up in support of victims of domestic abuse & sexual assault, and acting with integrity.
“The club must realise this isn’t a PR crisis it’s about doing what’s right.”
His comments were echoed by Fianna Hornby, Labour Councillor for Gorse Hill and Cornbrook ward in Trafford.
She tweeted: “I will always stand in solidarity with survivors of domestic violence, so consider me ‘hostile’.”
United held talks with key stakeholders including kit sponsor Adidas and the women’s team to ascertain their views on bringing Greenwood back after charges against him were dropped in February.
But they ultimately decided giving him a second chance at the club he joined aged seven was too difficult.
A source said: “This decision has been incredibly difficult because Mason has not been convicted of anything.
“The club has looked at every single element of this and war gamed it through.
“But there are concerns about his behaviour and have been for some time. Ultimately, the club could not ignore that any longer.
“Some people within the club are genuinely sad that it has come to this, and some feel very strongly that this is the only possible outcome.”
The statements from the club and Mason in full
Manchester United said: “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.”
Mason Greenwood added: “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 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, 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 has been left devastated by the decision, arguing he has been found innocent by the law of the land but guilty via social media.
A loan deal abroad had been considered as an option, but Greenwood did not want to move away from their extended family support network.
Greenwood last kicked a ball for United 19 months ago in January 2022.
He was arrested the same month after a woman made allegations of physical and sexual abuse on social media.
The Prem ace was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
But the CPS withdrew the case on 2 February after his alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
Greenwood hoped that move would leave him clear to start back playing for United, but the club immediately announced it was carrying out its own investigation to better understand the circumstances around his arrest.
He was told he could not train or play for the club during the investigation, but remained on full pay.
The move left Greenwood and his agent dad Andrew and mum Melanie “stunned” said a source, but they “begrudgingly” accepted the decision.
Following Greenwood’s arrest, the club distanced itself from the star with only technical director Darren Fletcher and football director John Murtagh having any direct contact with the player.
The Sun told how manager Erik ten Hag telephoned him after charges were dropped and he later met face-to-face with club bosses to give his side of the story.
In recent months he has stepped up his fitness levels and hired a private coach and been photographed taking part in 1-2-1 sessions at a £85-an-year public pitch.
He was also seen enjoying other sessions with his United teammate Anthony Elanga and Irish Serie A player James Abankwah.
As a child Greenwood first kicked a ball aged five when his dad Andrew, 53, took him to local youth club Idle Juniors FC.
United’s academy scouts soon came calling and offered him a place in their development centre in Halifax, West Yorks, when he was just seven.
Richard Arnold’s open letter to fans
Dear fans,
Now that we have concluded and announced the outcome of the club’s investigation into Mason Greenwood, I want to be direct and transparent with our fans about the process and the reasons for our decision.
This was an internal disciplinary investigation between employer and employee which would ordinarily take place outside of the public eye. Given the public nature of the allegations and Mason’s profile, I acknowledge that this was not an ordinary situation, but I felt it important that we still follow due process and, so far as possible, avoid media comment until I had made a definitive decision.
[The alleged victim’s] welfare, wishes and perspective have been central to the club’s approach ever since, as have the club’s standards and values. While we immediately concluded that Mason should be suspended pending investigation, we were also conscious of our duty of care towards him and the importance of making a decision based on full information. Until February this year, this was a matter for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service. It was only when charges were dropped that the club discussed the allegations with Mason and others involved in the case.
Our investigation sought to collate as much evidence as possible to establish facts and context. This was not a quick or straightforward process for a variety of reasons. It was essential for us to respect the rights and wishes of the alleged victim.
Also, we have limited powers of investigation which meant we were reliant on third party cooperation. Timings have also been influenced by my desire to minimise the impact of the investigation on our men’s and women’s teams, as well as our Lionesses. I acknowledge that this gave more time for speculation, but the alternative would have been to compromise due process or create untimely disruption.
While we were unable to access certain evidence for reasons we respect, the evidence we did collate led us to conclude that Mason did not commit the acts he was charged with. I am restricted as to what I can say for legal reasons, including the alleged victim’s ongoing right to anonymity, but I am able to share the following with you which should give you some insight into the complexity of this case.
• The alleged victim requested the police to drop their investigation in April 2022.
• The alleged victim’s family participated in the process and were given the opportunity to review and correct our factual findings.
Last week the media reported that we had decided to reintegrate Mason and that elements of a plan to do so had been leaked to them. Reintegration was one of the outcomes we considered and planned for. For context, over the course of the past six months several outcomes have been contemplated and planned for, and my view has evolved as our process progressed. While the ultimate decision rested with me, I was taking various factors and views into account right up until the point of finalising my decision.
While I am satisfied that Mason did not commit the acts he was charged with, Mason’s accepted that he has made mistakes which he takes responsibility for. I am also mindful of the challenge that Mason would face rebuilding his career… in the harsh spotlight of Manchester United. Further, this case has provoked strong opinions, and it is my responsibility to minimise any distraction to the unity we are seeking within the club.
Although we have decided that Mason will seek to rebuild his career away from Manchester United, that does not signal the end of this matter. The club will continue to offer its support both to the alleged victim and Mason to help them rebuild and move forward positively with their lives.
Thank you for your continued support,
Richard Arnold.
The talented youngster would later get a photograph alongside then player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – who would become his manager – at United’s Cliff training ground.
He quickly rose through the ranks at United and was top scorer for the Under-18 Premier League North and Player of the Tournament when the youth side won the ICGT trophy in the Netherlands, beating Real Madrid.
In 2018 manager Jose Mourinho picked him as a 16-year-old to play in the club’s pre-season tour of the US.
A few months later he signed his first pro contract with United for £800-a-week, using his dad as his agent.
And in February 2021 United announced Greenwood had signed a new £75,000-a-week contract which would keep him at the club until 2025, with the option to extend it for another year.
Prior to his arrest, Greenwood was valued at around £50 million and regarded as one of the hottest young talents in European football.
Fans with replica shirts bearing his name were told they could exchange them for free and the club removed all merchandise related to the player from its website and megastore.
Nike, which signed a boot deal with the player in 2020, also ended its multi-million pound sponsorship deal with Greenwood while EA Sports removed the player from its iconic FIFA 22 video game.
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Greenwood last played for United on January 22 2020 in a Premier League clash against West Ham, which United won 1-0.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
