Manchester United confirmed in a statement that they will be cutting ties with Mason Greenwood, and Match of the Day host and former England striker Gary Lineker has given his thoughts
Gary Lineker has responded following Man Utd’s Mason Greenwood decision
Gary Lineker has described Man Utd’s decision to part ways with Mason Greenwood as “inevitable and right”.
England international forward Greenwood, 21, last played for United in January 2022. He was suspended by the club later that month, but in February of this year had charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service which put his future as a footballer back in the spotlight.
United undertook their own investigation before reaching a decision on whether to reintegrate the player into their first team. On Monday, the club confirmed it would be “most appropriate” for him to continue his career away from Old Trafford.
Lineker, a former England striker and host of Match of the Day, shared United’s statement on social media. He added the comment: “Inevitable and right decision on an untenable situation”.
Greenwood himself has issued a statement in the light of the news. In it, he said “The best decision for us all is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club”.
Richard Arnold, United’s CEO, Richard Arnold, wrote an open letter to fans following the decision. In introducing the letter, he said “I want to be direct and transparent with our fans about the process and the reasons for our decision.”
United, in their statement, reiterated that their action follow an internal investigation. Greenwood had most recently signed a new contract 2021, and that deal had been due to run until the end of the 2024-25 season.
“Manchester United has concluded its internal investigation into the allegations made against Mason Greenwood,” United’s statement reads. “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.”
