MANCHESTER United chief executive Richard Arnold has released a lengthy statement following the announcement that Mason Greenwood’s career at the club is over.
The striker, 21, has today come to a “collaborative decision” with club bosses that he will not be making a comeback.
In a statement released this afternoon, Utd confirmed they had finished the probe into Greenwood.
But they did not reveal what his future holds – including whether his £75,000-a-week contract will be terminated or if he will be put on loan or sold.
The Bradford-born baller also released a statement admitting he had “made mistakes” and is now focused on being “a father as well as a good partner”.
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.
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Chief exec Arnold was previously reported to have been considering giving the star a second chance.
But backlash from fans and protests outside Old Trafford saw him reconsider.
Following an official statement from the Premier League giants on Monday, Arnold sent an open letter to all employees at the club explaining their decision.
It read: “Dear Colleagues, Now that we have concluded and announced the outcome of the club’s investigation into Mason Greenwood, I want to share with you more information about the process and the reasons for our decision.
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“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.
“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.”
Arnold went on to add that it was important that they respected the wishes of the alleged victim at all times.
He continued: “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.
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
Man Utd chief exec Richard Arnold
“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.
“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 on a way forward, that does not signal the end of this matter.
“Manchester United will continue to offer its support both to the alleged victim and Mason to help them rebuild and move forward positively with their lives.
We must now focus on delivering the results expected of this club
Arnold
“I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts and opinions with the club.
“I acknowledge that some may still disagree with aspects of the process, but I hope that this letter will help our fans and colleagues understand the decision and how it was reached.
“Thank you for your patience over recent weeks and for everything you do for Manchester United.
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“As I mentioned in my start-of-season note last week, as a club we can build on the progress made last season and continue to raise the bar.
“You are vital to this and we must now focus on delivering the results expected of this club.”
Greenwood’s 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 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.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
