The inside story of why Mason Greenwood will NEVER pull on a Manchester United shirt again: Backlash from fans, charities and MPs made a return to the club impossible
- Manchester United have announced that Mason Greenwood will leave the club
- United undertook a lengthy internal investigation into the 21-year-old’s future
- However, the backlash from various stakeholders made a return impossible
When the Crown Prosecution Service announced they had withdrawn charges against Mason Greenwood, it was the worst outcome for Manchester United.
They had acted swiftly to suspend the player on the day he was arrested in January 2022 — hours after deeply disturbing images and audio were posted online.
United put their faith in the justice system. But a year later came the news that there would be no trial, no judge, no jury and most importantly no verdict. In the eyes of the law, the 21-year-old was an innocent man, but it would be left to the club to make the call. The ball was back in their court — and not many had seen it coming.
United then launched their own investigation and said Greenwood would remain unavailable for selection until it had concluded.
The responsibility was to lie on the shoulders of chief executive Richard Arnold. He enlisted the help of a number of senior executives, who included legal counsel Patrick Stewart, football director John Murtough, chief operating officer Collette Roche and communications chief Ellie Norman.
Manchester United announced on Monday that Mason Greenwood would be leaving the club
It came after a seven-month long internal investigation by United into the forward’s future
United chief executive Richard Arnold was responsible for overseeing the internal review
The aim was to complete the investigation ahead of the new season and thus provide clarity to manager Erik ten Hag, who was keen to plan for the forthcoming campaign. The probe took place independent of the takeover saga, which remains ongoing. Although this was a huge issue to be dealt with, there was to be no input from the interested parties.
The crux of the investigation was to decipher what had actually happened. Although the alleged victim declined to co-operate — as she had eventually done with the Crown Prosecution Service — her mother spoke to United with her blessing. Later in the process, when United had drafted their findings, both were given the opportunity to comment or correct any of what the club believed were the facts of the matter. No such clarification was forthcoming.
United were quick to establish that the social media content that triggered Greenwood’s arrest — a mixture of photographs and harrowing audio clips — was posted in the early hours of the morning after the striker had ended his relationship with the alleged victim. The content included pictures which appeared to show a woman with a number of injuries. One featured the woman with blood flowing from her mouth and was accompanied by a caption which read: ‘To everyone who wants to know what Mason Greenwood actually does to me.’ A disturbing audio file was also uploaded in which a male voice could be heard trying to coerce a distressed female into having sex.
United asked for — and were given — explanations behind those posts and were satisfied that no physical abuse took place, a finding that was not disputed by the alleged victim’s family.
They also found that Greenwood had not subjected the woman to coercive control, following conversations with her mother, and that the audio clip was an excerpt from a lengthier exchange.
They say they cannot share that additional footage. Police arrested Greenwood later on the day the content was posted, but United’s review found that they had acted after being made aware of the posts, and not following a complaint from the alleged victim.
United then examined Greenwood’s behaviour with the police following his arrest and found that he handed over his devices and passwords so officers could fully examine them. In April of last year, around three months after Greenwood’s arrest, the alleged victim withdrew both her allegations and her support of the investigation.
However, in October, the CPS charged Greenwood with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour.
The crux of the club’s investigation was ultimately to decipher what had actually happened
Greenwood saw charges of attempted rape and assault against him dropped earlier this year
The police and CPS worked together for a year to build a case. However, following the withdrawal of key witnesses and the coming to light of new evidence, they decided that a conviction was unlikely and in February of this year withdrew those charges, dumping the matter on United’s doorstep.
Over the course of their subsequent inquiries United were left confident that the social media posts represented a small fraction of the evidence considered by the CPS and, as such, did not paint a full picture of the situation.
The court of public opinion was then taken into account. United examined various scenarios and the likely reactions. Whether Greenwood could pull on a red shirt again without proving to be a hugely damaging distraction was part of the discussion, as was the likely reaction from media outlets and domestic abuse charities.
A number of employees and players were under the impression that Greenwood was to be brought back into the fold. Some perceived a split within the camp, with some of those on the football side keen for him to return — a view not shared by the majority of those in the offices. The dressing room is thought to have been slightly in favour of Greenwood coming back. Although not one of the more popular players, he is close to a number of those who came through the ranks with him.
Indeed, it is understood that Ten Hag was among those in favour of a return for Greenwood and had reached out to the player. There had also been work in the analysis department on how best to use Greenwood should he return given the change in playing style and personnel since his last appearance.
Sources have disclosed to Mail Sport that Greenwood, who trained away from the club but under their supervision, was under the impression earlier this summer that he would be returning.
Last Wednesday, The Athletic reported that United’s plan was to reintegrate the player and that they had taken moves to justify that decision to a group of employees angered at the prospect. They also reported that Arnold intended to record a video explaining the decision to fans and staff.
The story triggered a huge backlash. Supporters, members of parliament and various charities came forward to implore the club to rethink the decision. Rachel Riley, the United-supporting television presenter, joined the debate by saying she would no longer remain a fan should Greenwood return. Arnold received a number of articulate, impassioned emails from fans urging him not to allow Greenwood to play for the club again.
United say no decision had been reached at that stage and that the reported scenario was one of many they had been considering.
Ultimately, Arnold found that Greenwood had the right to resume his career. However, the expected backlash and impact that would have on club and player led them to decide it would be best for all parties if he restarted that career away from Old Trafford. He will either leave on loan, with a view to a permanent move, or come to an agreement over his contract, which runs until the summer of 2025.
It is understood that Erik ten Hag was among those in favour of a return for Greenwood
A group of United supporters protested before the club’s first home game of the season against Wolves, outlining their opposition to reintegrating Greenwood into the first team
United fan Rachel Riley had stated she would stop supporting the club if they kept Greenwood
A move abroad to either Turkey or Italy is thought to be a likely escape route but there has been interest from elsewhere. Greenwood’s former manager Jose Mourinho, now at Roma, is known to be an admirer.
United say they will work with Greenwood and his partner, who gave birth to a daughter last month, to find a club with the right environment and support network.
A move to another club in England is unlikely. At least two sides in the Championship have held preliminary discussions but have decided against taking their interest further. The player is thought to prefer staying on these shores but a switch to a club abroad may be his only option.
United will also step up attempts to educate their players on healthier relationships and behaviour. Insiders have described it as ‘an impossible situation’. It is one they will not wish to face again.
THE STATEMENTS
MANCHESTER UNITED: Manchester United has concluded its internal investigation into the allegations made against Mason Greenwood. 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, we have concluded material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences of which he was originally charged. That said, as Mason acknowledges, 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 agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford and we will work with him to achieve that.
MASON GREENWOOD: I understand people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media and I know people will think the worst.
I am enormously grateful to my family and loved ones for their support and it is now for me to repay the trust 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.
UNITED CEO RICHARD ARNOLD: This was an internal disciplinary investigation which would ordinarily take place outside of the public eye. I acknowledge this was not an ordinary situation, but I felt it important that we still follow due process and, so far as possible, avoid media comment until I had made a definitive decision.
Although we have decided Mason will rebuild his career away from Manchester United, that does not signal the end. The club will continue to support the alleged victim and Mason to help rebuild and move forward positively.
MANCHESTER UNITED SUPPORTERS TRUST (MUST): Since the deeply distressing initial allegations surfaced, this episode has been allowed to drag out for far too long as the club has carried out an investigative process. Moreover, the complete lack of consultation with fans, even with respect to process, added fuel to the fire.
Whilst the speculation and discussion in the last couple of weeks has been profoundly unhelpful and reflected very poorly on the club, it is clear they have reached the right decision. We are relieved that this matter can now be put behind us and will be working with the club to ensure lessons have been learned from this very troubling episode.
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