MANCHESTER United have confirmed that they will be releasing Mason Greenwood over 18 months after he was accused of sexually assaulting his girlfriend.
The English forward was arrested in January 2022 after a series of voice recordings and images were posted on social media indicating that he forcibly had intercourse with and physically assaulted the alleged victim.
However, after he had been suspended by Manchester United and charged, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges against Greenwood in February this year, citing the withdrawal of key witnesses and “new material that came to light”.
There were reports recently that United were considering reintegrating Greenwood into the squad but there was serious backlash from some fan groups, although there was also those who wanted his return.
In an official statement today, the club wrote on their website: “Manchester United has concluded its internal investigation into the allegations made against Mason Greenwood.
“Our process commenced in February 2023, following all charges against Mason being dropped. Throughout, we have taken into account the wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible.
“This has required us to proceed with sensitivity and care to obtain evidence not in the public domain, including from those with direct knowledge of the case.
“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.
“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, 21, has spent all his career at Manchester United and made his senior debut in the 2018/2019 season.
In all, he made 129 appearances for the club, with 35 goals and 12 assists.
