Mason Greenwood hasn’t played for Manchester United since January 2022 and has been the subject of an internal investigation with the result expected to be communicated imminently
Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood
Manchester United insist they are yet to reach a final decision on Mason Greenwood’s future - after reports Chief Executive Richard Arnold had told Old Trafford staff he was due to return.
Greenwood, 21, hasn’t played for United since he was arrested in January 2022. Charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in February.
United started conducting an internal investigation into the incident after Greenwood’s criminal charges were dropped but are yet to make a decision on his future. The England forward still has two years left on his contract, with a club option of a further 12 months.
Reports emerged on Wednesday that Arnold had communicated with senior staff that Greenwood was set to return, with the Athletic claiming an announcement was due at the start of August. However, in a statement released concurrently on the club’s official site, United say a final decision has yet to be reached.
“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,” the statement reads.
“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.
Mason Greenwood has not played for Man United since January 2022 (
Image:
Getty Images)
“This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain. We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process.”
United released the statement on the heels of the Athletic report which suggested Arnold told the club’s executive leadership of Greenwood’s imminent return. The proposed date of the public announcement was due to be August 4 - which Arnold would make via a video message - but the process has now continued into the new Premier League season.
Supporter groups protested Greenwood’s possible reintegration before their league opener with Wolves at Old Trafford, with many believing he shouldn’t play for the club again.
Reporters asked Erik ten Hag for his opinion on the matter during United’s pre-season tour of the United States. The Dutchman said: “Of course, I have said my ideas and opinions but it’s a club decision. We all have to accept that. I can’t say so much about it, but what I say is I shared my opinion about it, so let’s see what’s going to happen and what the decision will be.”
