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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