MASON Greenwood has “mutually agreed” to leave Manchester United – opening the possibility of a move to a number of clubs.
The striker, 21, had been suspended since January last year after his arrest for rape and sexual assault.
He was charged in October but the charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
But in a statement on Monday, United said they “recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career” at the club.
They said his exit was the “most appropriate” result from the saga, adding: “We will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.”
In a separate statement, Greenwood added: “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.”
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It is unclear whether his £75,000-a-week contract will be terminated or if he will be put on loan or sold.
Greenwood had been reluctant to move abroad because he did not want to leave his family.
However, if he does become open to an overseas move, a number of potential options lie ahead for him.
It was reported in June AC Milan had been making inquiries about the striker.
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The Italian club reportedly appreciated the “technical ability” of the 21-year-old.
They are not the only Serie A team reportedly keen on the youngster, with fellow giants Juventus reportedly sounding out Greenwood’s camp back in May.
The Sun also revealed in July that Roma had made approaches for Greenwood.
Jose Mourinho had telephoned Greenwood to sound him out about a loan move to his Italian Serie A side.
A source said at the time: “Jose rang Mason’s dad and also spoke with Mason. He told him the best way out of his current situation is to start playing football — and that eventually all the hassle will fade away.
“Mason was pleased that he got in touch and it has lifted his spirits.
“He wants to get back playing and is just waiting for United to tell him what the future holds.”
Greenwood’s last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham, which United won 1-0.
Since then, a number of Turkish clubs reportedly wanted to take Greenwood on loan.
The Saudi Pro League could also be interested in Greenwood for a potential move to the Arabian Peninsula.
Saudi clubs, funded by the country’s sovereign wealth, have acquired a number of stars this season.
Signings include big payday deals with Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema.
The Saudis reportedly want 20-25 of these high-profile names in The Kingdom in the coming months, MailOnline reported in June.
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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.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
