As per the report from Mirror, Mason Greenwood faced arrest and charges in January 2022 on counts of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behavior, and assault causing actual bodily harm. In February 2023, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) withdrew these charges.
Following this development, Manchester United initiated an internal inquiry to determine whether Mason Greenwood should be reintegrated into the team. As revealed by Richard Arnold, the club’s CEO, Manchester United’s finding implied that Mason Greenwood will no longer continue at Manchester United; where is the next stop for the 21-year-old goalscorer?
Manchester United release Mason Greenwood following social media backlash
During the course of this internal investigation, Mason Greenwood remained sidelined from the Manchester United squad, despite the CPS dropping all charges. Nevertheless, he was still an employee of the club while internal investigations into his culpability or otherwise continued.
After months of internal investigation by Manchester United, they eventually reached a decision, announced by Richard Arnold, the club’s CEO, that Mason Greenwood would not continue at the club. However, before the club’s statement, it was discovered that the club had put a plan for Greenwood’s reintegration in place. Confirming the original plan of re-integration, Richard Arnold said:
“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.”
News about the club’s intention to reintegrate Greenwood became public, and this information spread widely, particularly among the Manchester United fanbase. Many supporters of the club expressed their strong opposition to Greenwood’s comeback, and this sentiment was especially evident in their protests. Notably, a contingent of Manchester United women supporters also joined in this protest against Greenwood’s potential return.
According to Dailymail, Natalie Burrell, founder of Manchester United’s Women’s Supporters’ Club, said in her opinion, he should not be welcomed back. She said: ‘I’ve been going to this club since I was a little girl. It’s such an important part of my life. Riley, known for her unrelenting support for Manchester United, also claimed that she would be ‘unable’ to support her club if Greenwood returned. “
Rachel Riley 🗣
"I won't be able to support Utd if Greenwood remains at the club. We've all seen and heard enough. Pretending this is OK would be a huge part of the problem. It'd be devastating for my club to contribute to a culture that brushes this under the carpet." #MUFC pic.twitter.com/TIvW8N0zcU
— UnitedReds (@UnitedRedscom) August 18, 2023
Following this backlash, Richard Arnold had no choice but to decide for Mason Greenwood to continue his career away from Manchester United. Hence, Mason Greenwood is released.
He said, “Further, this case has provoked strong opinions, and it is my responsibility to minimize any distraction to the unity we are seeking within the club.”
Potential landing spots for the forward
Mason Greenwood released a statement in response to Manchester United’s decision to let him go, admitting that he has ‘made mistakes,’ released an emotional farewell, saying;
“I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and I know people will think the worst. Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family, and me.”
“The best decision for us all is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not distract the club. I thank the club for its support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me that is United.”
The Bradford-born baller still had 2-years left on his Manchester United contract, but nothing was explicitly said regarding his future away from Manchester United. According to The Sun, Manchester United did not reveal what his future holds – including whether his £75,000-a-week contract will be terminated or if he will be put on loan or sold.
However, there are rumors that Saudi Arabia may be interested in the player. It is suggested that Greenwood could be offered a contract worth £10 million ($13m) by Al Ettifaq.
Do you still want to see Mason Greenwood play in the Red Devils jersey? Let us know what you think in the comments.
