Manchester United Announces Departure of Mason Greenwood Following Investigation
Manchester United has confirmed that its 21-year-old player, Mason Greenwood, would be leaving the club following charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Following a thorough investigation spanning six and a half months, Manchester United has reached a decision regarding 21-year-old Greenwood. The club has determined that it is in his best interest to resume his professional journey with another team.
In a statement on their website, Manchester United said:
"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 had been detained after images and an audio recording alleging a sexual assault by his girlfriend Harriet Robson surfaced online. In the images, a series of photographs of her beaten body were posted to her Instagram story, while an audio clip was also shared on social media. The footballer was later suspended by United, and sporting giant Nike announced that they had stopped sponsoring him. His trial was scheduled for November of this year after he was later charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault causing actual bodily harm.
However im February 2023, all accusations were withdrawn. According to the Crown Prosecution Service, "a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material" prevented the case from moving forward.
Female fans of the club had opposed his return to the club-being considered at the time- in a letter, asking that the club "abide by their duty of care towards their female fans and employees and demonstrate a zero tolerance approach towards acts of violence against women by refusing to bring Mason Greenwood back into the squad."