Manchester United claim they are yet to reach a final decision on Mason Greenwood’s future amid reports Chief Executive Richard Arnold had told Old Trafford staff he was due to return.
Greenwood, 21, has not played for Manchester United since January 2022 – when the youngster was arrested with charges including attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm to follow. Those charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in February.
That is when United started conducting their own internal investigation into the matter.
The club has not released a statement on the matter since then. Well, until today…
United day a final decision has yet to be reached – but that is probably one of the worst kept secrets in football.
Moreover, the language used in the statement is telling.
The statement from Manchester United read: “Following the dropping of all charges against Mason Greenwood in February 2023, Manchester United has conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations made against him.
“This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain, and we have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case. Throughout this process, the welfare and perspective of the alleged victim has been central to the club’s inquiries, and we respect her right to lifelong anonymity.
“We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner. The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future.
“Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation. Responsibility ultimately rests with the Chief Executive Officer. Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders.”
United’s statement came after a report from The Athletic suggested Richard Arnold told the club’s executive leadership of Greenwood’s imminent return.
The report claims the proposed date of the public announcement was due to be August 4 – but that was obviously delayed.
There were protests against Greenwood’s possible reintegration before United’s Premier League open against Wolves on Monday night.
Aside from the obvious morality issue, this is only going to make for more hostility from the home and away crowds at matches, which is why I can’t believe the club can’t see how troublesome it’s going to be when Greenwood eventually returns.
The club can expect to recieve a huge backlash for this.
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Bring back Greenwood to continue his career in football afterward the lady in question has now given birth for him that means they must have reconciled fo what so ever. Bring him back.
Bring greenwood back to Manchester United we need a again, give him a second chance
DO NOT WASTE A YOUNG MANS LIFE. LET HIM PROVE HOW VALUABLE HE IS . HE NOW HAS TWO FAMILIES AS DAD AND AS A MAN U FAMILY MEMBER. LOOK AFTER HIM AND WELCOME HIM HOME.
TOM
Look the facts of the matter are all charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution. So if United do allow him to play again undoubtably he will receive quite a backlash from certain sections of both sets of supporters so shouldn’t a certain amount of the decision to continue to play be left to Mason as he’s the one who will need to cope with most of the toxic comments.
Leave what decision to Mason?
He batters a woman earns £70,000 a week for the 18 months since and you want the decision to be his? Why not give him an OBE whilst about it. Send him overseas with his wife and child . IF he behaves himself and becomes the player he should have been have a buy back clause. If the club forgive and forget and he commits a similar offence, those so supportive are a part of what follows!
JM just waiting green wood vs arsenal
Don’t delay the boys future ⚽⚽⚽⚽ waiting waiting waiting green wood soon
Said this before this is a domestic issue. Secondly there are several football players in the last 12 months been found not guilty of serious alleged women related charges and been allowed to continue. Am not supporting GBV but it is what it is. Lets wait for the Club final decision and stop these continual predictions and trial by social media!
Mason should have been reinstated to the squad during the Summer and then gone on the tour to America by now people wouldn’t even be talking about it.
At the end of the day he’s not been found guilty of anything, So who are we to judge.
Remember what the CPS said when they dropped the charges NEW EVIDENCE HAS COME TO LIGHT.
And now the club are saying they know things that the general public don’t, Hence the New Evidence.
I think the Club have treated him dreadfully.
Sure he’ll get abuse away from home but so did Beckham and Cantona and after a few months it will die down and people will move on to something else.
It’s the way of the world.
Hopefully Mason will be back in the Red shirt soon.