Mason Greenwood, a forward for Manchester United, will leave the team by mutual consent following a six-month internal probe into his behavior.
Greenwood was detained in January 2022 as a result of suspicions involving online-published content.
The 21-year-old England international was cleared of charges on February 2, 2023, including attempted rape and violence.
Mason and everyone else involved, including Manchester United, acknowledge the challenges of having him restart his career there, the club stated in a statement.
“All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.
“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.
Greenwood acknowledged “making mistakes” and taking “share of responsibility” in a statement, but he also said: “I did not do the things I was accused of.”
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.”
THE CLUB STATEMENT READ
“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.
“When audio footage and imagery was posted online in January 2022, my feelings were of shock and concern for the alleged victim. Her 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 co-operation. 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.
We were provided with alternative explanations for the audio recording, which was a short excerpt from a much longer recording, and for the images posted online.
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 and raising a baby together with his partner 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.”
In October 2022, Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, coercive behavior, and assault causing actual bodily damage.
Greenwood’s sponsorship agreement with Nike was terminated as a result of his arrest, and Electronic Arts withdrew him off the Fifa 22 game’s active teams.
The Crown Prosecution Service said that after the charges were dropped in February 2023, there was “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction” since key witnesses had left the case and new information had emerged.
Greenwood at the time was described as “relieved” in a statement issued on his behalf.
The player, who had previously been considered one of the five most valuable players in Europe, was then the subject of a United internal probe.