‘I did not do the things I was accused of, but I accept I made mistakes’: Mason Greenwood agrees to leave Manchester United as club releases him to ‘pursue career elsewhere’ following huge fan backlash over now-dropped rape allegations
- Mason Greenwood has released a statement after Man United exit is revealed
- The Red Devils announced that they are working on Greenwood’s departure
- Charges of attempted rape were discontinued against 21-year-old in February
- LIVE: All the latest reaction and updates as Greenwood departure is confirmed
Mason Greenwood today admitted ‘making mistakes’ as he agreed to never play for Manchester United ever again.
It came after the club announced that his Old Trafford career is over in an apparent change of heart from leaked suggestions last week he could be back.
The Premier League giants announced the result of their protracted internal investigation on Monday afternoon following his charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault, discontinued in February.
It marked the end of a disastrous saga that saw high profile fans including Rachel Riley publicly turn on the club.
Greenwood said in a statement this afternoon: ‘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.
‘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. However, I fully accept I made mistakes in my relationship, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.
Mason Greenwood has released a statement after Man United’s announcement that he will exit
Riley, who is a well-known United fan, felt she would be ‘unable’ to support her club if Greenwood returned
Erik ten Hag’s side said they are working with Greenwood on his departure from the Red Devils
‘I am learning to understand my responsibilities to set a good example as a professional footballer, and I’m focused on the big responsibility of being a father, as well as a good partner.
‘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. I am enormously grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support, and it is now for me to repay the trust those around me have shown.
‘I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.’
Greenwood faced allegations of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault, with investigations beginning in January 2022.
The Premier League giants revealed the result of their internal investigation on Monday
Charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault against a 21-year-old were discontinued in February
United announced on January 30 he would be suspended for training and playing ‘until further notice’, pending the result of their own internal probe.
Their statement on Monday afternoon read: ‘Manchester United has concluded its internal investigation into the allegations made against Mason Greenwood.
READ MORE: Rachel Riley reveals she has DITCHED a Man United shirt given to her by Ryan Giggs on Countdown after he faced domestic violence charges, as she vows to stop supporting club if Mason Greenwood returns
‘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.’
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 has not played for the Premier League giants since his arrest in January 2022 for attempted rape, assault and coercive control. Charges were later dropped.
United supporters protested about his potential return to the first-team squad on Monday
Greenwood was arrested after a number of harrowing images and video were posted on social media.
Fans said last week the sight of him running out onto the pitch of Old Trafford would make the club toxic and ‘destroy’ Manchester United’s community.
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.
‘It’s a community, it’s everything, it’s where I get a lot of my social life, a lot of my friends.
‘It would just destroy that. It’s destroying it now there’s massive divides and protests.
‘It’s going to make it toxic if he does run out at Old Trafford, people are going to be booing him.
‘Some might be supporting him and saying we should carry on supporting, but you can’t support someone like that. I think it’s all because they’ve not got a lot of striking options and this is an easy way to get someone in who’s talented’, she added in the interview with Newsnight.
It comes after Countdown co-host Rachel Riley, who is a well-known Red Devils fan, insisted she would stop supporting the club if Greenwood was brought back.
The club’s final decision is yet to be made public but his reintegration into the first team remains an option, which would be highly controversial given the circumstances of the case amid fan protests over the issue.
Riley tweeted to her 684,000 followers saying: ‘I won’t be able to support United if Greenwood remains at the club.’
On Greenwood, Manchester United’s women’s side have reportedly voiced their concerns about his returning to the club’s Carrington training ground.
Ahead of United’s men team’s season opener against Wolves, fans protested against his potential reintegration, labelling the club ‘spineless’ and urging them not to leave the decision up to the women’s team, opening the women’s stars up to vile abuse.
On Wednesday, United released a statement saying: ‘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.’
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