Manchester United make a U-turn in the Mason Greenwood case after fan backlash

Manchester United has decided to part ways with Mason Greenwood after internal investigation.

Mason Greenwood is set to leave Manchester United after it was mutually agreed between both parties that it was the best solution going forward. The English forward will have to continue his football career away from Old Trafford although a criminal investigation of possible attempted rape being closed by prosecutors six months ago.

United had conducted an internal investigation into the matter and announced their outcome on Monday. The 21-year-old had not played for the club since January 2022 when he was arrested after videos and audios documenting his sexual abuse and coercive behaviour regarding his partner was made public online.

Greenwood was charged by Greater Manchester Police with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault in October 2022 after allegations were made online. The charges had been dropped in February this year when the Crown Prosecution Service said there was “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction” after key witnesses withdrew their cooperation from the investigation. Meanwhile, the player continues to deny all the charges.

An internal inquiry conducted by United concluded that Greenwood did not commit the alleged offences but it was in the best interest of everyone if he left the club.

A statement officially released by the club said: “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, recognize 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.”

Greenwood said it was “the best decision for us all … to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club.”

Although the exit was mutually agreed with statements released by both the club and the player, it has been well document by The Athletic that Manchester United had been planning on reintegrating Greenwood back in the first team for a long time.

Even as of Wednesday, last week, the plan had been to slowly re-introduce him to the proceedings of the first team with chief executive Richard Arnold and coach Erik ten Hag both in favour of Greenwood.

However, a severe fan backlash on social media along with outrage from season-ticket holders, supporters’ groups, members of parliament, journalists, and even charities that support female victims of abuse forced United to take a backseat and rethink their entire strategy regarding the player.

Before his arrest, Greenwood was viewed as one of the most talented young players in England. The striker played 129 times for United, scoring 35 times and even had an England national cap to his name.

The 21-year-old had also come up through the youth ranks at United which meant that the club were more sympathetic to his cause. In the end, they decided to cut losses after it was pretty clear that their fans would resent the decision to reintegrate the player back in the first team given the sensitive nature of the allegations against him.