Manchester United have announced the mutually-agreed axing of Mason Greenwood following a lengthy internal investigation into the player’s conduct off the pitch. It comes after the striker was arrested and charged last year with attempted rape, assault, and controlling and coervice behaviour.
In footage that surfaced online in January 2022, a man can be heard shouting at a woman to “move your [expletive] legs up”. The woman is heard saying that she did not want to have sex, to which the man replies: “I don’t give a [expletive] what you want, you little [expletive].” Despite having the charges dropped earlier this year, the 21-year-old Bradford native acknowledged that he had “made mistakes”, but added: “I did not do the things I was accused of.”
In a statement released on Monday (Aug 21), the Premier League club stated: “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.”
Greenwood, who currently has two years left on his contract, scored 35 goals in 129 games for United and has been capped once by England. The club’s CEO, Richard Arnold, who claimed he was shocked when he heard the material, said it was not a “quick or straight forward process” and noted the alleged victim had removed her complaint.
Arnold stated: “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.
“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.”
Greenwood said of the verdict: “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 in any relationship 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 in my relationship, 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.”
Anticipation was building for the disclosure of the investigation’s findings prior to United’s inaugural Premier League match against Wolves on 14 August. However, due to intense discussions about the possibility of Greenwood’s return to Old Trafford, the verdict was postponed.
