Manchester United chief executive Richard Arnold has released a lengthy statement following the announcement that Mason Greenwood’s career at the club is over.
The striker, 21, will not be returning to United’s first team and is now looking to relaunch his career elsewhere. Only time will tell which clubs are interested in signing Greenwood.
In a statement released at 3pm, United confirmed they had finished their internal investigation into Greenwood.
United have yet to say whether they will terminate Greenwood’s contract or loan/sell him another club.
Greenwood has been suspended by United since his arrest in January 2022.
It is believed that chief executive Richard Arnold was willing to give Greenwood a second chance – but he was forced to make a U-turn following backlash from fans.
“Now that we have concluded and announced the outcome of the club’s investigation into Mason Greenwood, I want to be direct and transparent with our fans about the process and the reasons for our decision,” Arnold wrote in an open letter to fans, as per ManUtd.com.
“This was an internal disciplinary investigation between employer and employee which would ordinarily take place outside of the public eye. Given the public nature of the allegations and Mason’s profile, I acknowledge that this was not an ordinary situation, but I felt it important that we still follow due process and, so far as possible, avoid media comment until I had made a definitive decision.
“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 and the importance of making a decision based on full information. Until February this year, this was a matter for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service. It was only when charges were dropped that the club discussed the allegations with Mason and others involved in the case.
“Our investigation sought to collate as much evidence as possible to establish facts and context. This was not a quick or straightforward process for a variety of reasons. It was essential for us to respect the rights and wishes of the alleged victim. Also, we have limited powers of investigation which meant we were reliant on third party cooperation. Timings have also been influenced by my desire to minimise the impact of the investigation on our men’s and women’s teams, as well as our Lionesses. I acknowledge that this gave more time for speculation, but the alternative would have been to compromise due process or create untimely disruption.
“While we were unable to access certain evidence for reasons we respect, the evidence we did collate led us to conclude that Mason did not commit the acts he was charged with. I am restricted as to what I can say for legal reasons, including the alleged victim’s ongoing right to anonymity, but I am able to share the following with you which should give you some insight into the complexity of this case:
– The alleged victim requested the police to drop their investigation in April 2022.
- We were provided with alternative explanations for the audio recording, which was a short excerpt from a much longer recording, and for the images posted online.
- The alleged victim’s family participated in the process and were given the opportunity to review and correct our factual findings.
“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 the ultimate decision rested with me, I was taking various factors and views into account right up until the point of finalising my decision.
“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.
“Although we have decided that Mason will seek to rebuild his career away from Manchester United, that does not signal the end of this matter. The club will continue to offer its support both to the alleged victim and Mason to help them rebuild and move forward positively with their lives.”
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Very fake Manchester United
An employee can not decide for employer what to do with his other employee. I am gutted as to how Manchester united have succumbed to the stupid feeling of their stupid female department
The question is will the stupid female department stop him from playing his football for other club and him punishing united with his god’s endowed talent when they cross part. If he can play for other club what stops him from playing for us hence the club itself have declared him innocent of the accusations.
Sheer irony every time you use the word ‘stupid’…
It is a pity for man u that let go of young and talented greenwood who has quality of changing the game at anytime.
He is blessed with qualities that many Manchester united do not have, such as dribble, attacking prowess and scoring mentality with both legs.
Best player I love
Painful 😭😭😭😭😭
It really hurt’s me the only player I love to watch is leaving
His boy hood club because they refuse to give him the parental care he deserves
this makes me reduce my love for Manchester United.
After CR7 na you
I really love you
And I miss you very much
Can’t wait to watch you where ever you start your career again
All the best ❤❤❤❤❤
Let Man utd loan that talent coz anytime from now he is going to shine and attract interest from even Hus haters, trust me
Fuck Manchester united
It’s just so sad to see greenwood leave, if the case has been dropped by the victim,then what else is the problem,raw telent we all hoped would add some spice to the team.
Charges being dropped doesn’t mean he was cleared.
The fact you accept there was a victim is rather telling.
Mr. Richard Arnold you’re a good good man to the core.
Could you please believe that other name for some women is demon, they’re freely vulnerable to satanic manipulation. If I were to be you, I wouldn’t have reckoned with their selfish and unjustified feelings. GREENWOOD was falsely accused must he go on to suffer the punishment for an offence he never committed! What a heartless female fans.
OF COURSE THIS WON’T HAPPEN TO GREENWOOD IF HE WAS NOBODY. GREENWOOD YOUR REJECTION SHALL BE YOUR ULTIMATE REAFFIRMATION AND THE SAME PEOPLE WILL STILL JEALOUS YOU
BEST OF LUCK
Let’s say it’s going to be big problem for United and greenwood and wishes a good for most talented player
From this day, I stop being a fan of this club. It’s clearly a confused club.
My question is if it is a female that was found innocent of such accusation will she still face a punishment for been innocent just to satisfy the male fans, the decision may be the final but not the end of road for mason greenwood he is got some talent which will eventually put him back in a good position in his career