Mason Greenwood is to leave Manchester United after the club concluded its review into the striker.
The 21-year-old, who was arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of a number of offences including attempted rape, will not play for the club again and is likely to leave on loan or see his contract settled.
The Crown Prosecution Service subsequently dropped the charges in February of this after key witnesses withdrew and new material came to light.
But Greenwood has not played for United, who launched their own probe, since his arrest. That investigation has now ended. United found Greenwood did not commit the offences which he was charged with but has also concluded it would be best for all if his future was away from Old Trafford.
A United spokesperson said: ‘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.’
Mail Sport understands final details are still being arranged. Greenwood will either leave on loan or will have his contract settled. He will not, according to sources, play for United again.
Greenwood was arrested after a number of harrowing images and video were posted on social media. He was later charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
In a lengthy statement, United added: ‘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.’
Greenwood said: ‘I was brought up to know that violence or abuse in any relationship is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges. I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.
‘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 be a distraction for the club. I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me which is United.’
Chief executive Richard Arnold handled the investigation, which was assisted by chief operating officer Collette Roche, the club’s legal counsel Patrick Stewart, their communications director Ellie Norman and Red Devils football director John Murtough.
Content by: MIKE KEEGAN and LIAM MORGAN
