Man United insist a decision has NOT yet been taken over Mason Greenwood’s future despite reports chief executive ‘Richard Arnold told senior staff he is returning to the club two weeks ago’
- Greenwood has not featured for the Red Devils since his arrest in January 2022
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Manchester United insist that a decision has yet to be taken over Mason Greenwood’s future despite fresh reports that he is set to return to the club.
Mail Sport revealed last week that United’s decision to consult with their women’s team and sponsors was a clear indication that the club is about to end Greenwood’s 18-month suspension.
The fact that United are going to such lengths to explain the decision suggests that they are paving the way for the 21-year-old’s return instead of terminating his contract which runs until 2025.
Now The Athletic claim that United chief executive Richard Arnold, who will have the final decision over Greenwood’s fate, told senior staff a fortnight ago that the player would be coming back following a six-month internal investigation.
According to the report, Arnold intended to record and share a video explaining Greenwood’s reintegration to staff and the general public.
Manchester United insist a decision has not yet been taken over the future of Mason Greenwood
There have been reports chief executive Richard Arnold told senior staff a fortnight ago that Greenwood would be coming back
Arnold’s original plan was for Greenwood not to be involved in any appearances with the club’s charitable arm, the Manchester United Foundation, despite his return to Erik ten Hag’s first team squad.
United responded by releasing a statement on Wednesday denying that a final decision has been taken and is still the subject of ‘intensive internal deliberation’.
It read: ‘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.
‘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.
‘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.’
Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of attempted rape and assault, but all charges against him were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February when United launched their own investigation.
Sources close to the club it say that the facts already in the public domain do not tell the whole story, and that they can only terminate Greenwood’s contract if it is legal to do so.
That explains why United have taken so long to conduct a long and thorough investigation that involved speaking to Greenwood and the victim, and the families of both parties. ‘It’s not clear-cut,’ said one insider.
The striker was charged with attempted rape, assault and coercive control in January 2022
The striker has been training privately while the club makes their decision on his reintegration
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An executive panel was set up to oversee the process which includes the club’s legal counsel Patrick Stewart. Co-Chairman Joel Glazer will also have a say but the final decision rests with Arnold.
It’s understood that sponsors have not played a part in the decision making but will be consulted over the final outcome. It is feasible that United could reverse their decision if the feedback is overwhelmingly negative
Last week the club faced a backlash over delaying a decision on Greenwood to consult with the women’s team and stakeholders because it was felt that the club were putting an unfair responsibility on the women.
Managing director Collette Roche tried to redress that balance on Wednesday in an interview in which she said that it is ‘firmly a decision that’s on us’.
Roche said: ‘We’ve done a really detailed and thorough internal investigation and we’ve asked as many people as we can around what happened and try to understand it beyond the original investigation done by the police.
‘You’d expect us to engage with people who were relevant in terms of stakeholder groups. And now we just need to make the decision. That decision is firmly a decision that’s on us.’
It is understood Erik ten Hag’s players would welcome the youngster back at Old Trafford
A group of Man United supporters protested before the club’s first home game of the season, outlining their opposition to reintegrate 21-year-old striker Greenwood into the first team
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