Manchester United’s humiliating backdown after Mason Greenwood investigation
Manchester United has been forced into a huge U-turn, axing one of its players weeks after his impending return sparked huge protests.
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English Premier League giant Manchester United has axed one of its most promising young players following an investigation into rape and assault allegations, despite the fact all charges were dropped.
A backlash occurred when plans were leaked for Mason Greenwood, who has scored 35 goals in 129 games, to go back to playing for the top flight club given the police investigation has concluded.
It was a move that was heavily criticised both within and outside the Premier League team including from domestic violence organisations.
In a statement, the club said: “Mason … 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”.
A source told The Sun that the decision to drop Greenwood was “incredibly difficult” because he wasn’t convicted of a crime.
“Some people within the club are genuinely sad that it has come to this, and some feel very strongly that this is the only possible outcome.”
Greenwood said he “fully accepted” his “mistakes”.
“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.”
Greenwood was making almost $150,000 a week at Manchester United. It’s not clear whether his contract will be terminated or whether he will be loaned or sold to another club.
Charges dropped
In October 2022, the 21-year-old was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
A recording, posted online, came to light of a man, alleged to be Greenwood, shouting at a woman who said she did not want to have sex.
Those charges were dropped in February after prosecutors in Britain said new material had come to light and a key witness had withdrawn, meaning there was “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction”.
Manchester United then began its own investigation into Greenwood.
Backlash over return
Sports website The Athletic reported this month that United management had decided to bring Greenwood back as a player.
The article said planning was so advanced that it included an analysis of possible sentiment to Greenwood rejoining the team. This included a list of “hostile” figures including commentators and domestic violence charities.
The club denied a decision had been made but that rather there was “intensive internal deliberation” over the case.
Nonetheless, the prospect of Greenwood returning set off an avalanche of criticism, including from some staff members and fans.
A group of female Man U supporters said that if Greenwod returned it would send out the message that “as women, we don’t matter”.
Prominent UK television presenter Rachel Riley said she would stop supporting Manchester United if Greenwood came back.
“It would be devastating for my club to contribute to a culture that brushes this under the carpet. I really hope they do the right thing,” she said.
Several UK MPs also voiced their criticism at the pending decision.
In a lengthy statement on Monday, UK time, Manchester United confirmed Greenwood would not be returning.
“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.”
Greenwood’s statement
Greenwood said in a statement that he knew “people would think the worst” following what they had “seen and heard on social media”.
“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 take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.”
“There will always be a part of me which is United. I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven”, Greenwood added.
“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.”
In an open letter to fans, Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold, pushed back on suggestions a firm decision had ever been made to bring Greenwood back.
“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 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 … at 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.”
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