It has been announced that Mason Greenwood will leave Manchester United after an internal investigation following abuse allegations last year.
Charges including attempted rape and assault against the 21-year-old England international were dropped on February 2 this year after the withdrawal of key witnesses.
The allegations were alleged after seemingly disturbing and abusive content involving the player was leaked online.
In an official statement, Manchester United said, “Given the complexities, Mason and all parties involved acknowledge the challenges associated with his return to Manchester United. It is therefore a consensual decision that his career progresses outside of Old Trafford. We will collaborate with Mason towards achieving this objective.”
The club’s assessment, based on available evidence, concluded that the online content did not present a complete portrayal and Greenwood was not guilty of the original charges.
In his own statement, he said, “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.”
Initially anticipated ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League opening match against Wolves on August 14, the announcement regarding Greenwood’s future now underscores a significant development in his career, as well as sending a message to the wider community on tolerated behaviour in the football industry.
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