Manchester United have released a statement confirming that striker Mason Greenwood will leave the club, after it was "mutually agreed" that it was best for him to move away from the club, following an internal investigation into allegations of sexual assault.
Manchester United have released a statement following the club's investigation into Mason Greenwood, who was suspended by the Premier League giants in January 2022, as he faced criminal charges, including attempted rape and sexual assault over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for England and Wales announced in February 2023 however that the case had been discontinued, due in part to the withdrawal of key witnesses.
The Red Devils began their own investigation in February, and after seven months have published the conclusions reached, which ultimately mean that the striker will continue his career "away from Old Trafford".
With Greenwood suspended for over a year and a half, the club had planned to announce their decision on his future by the start of the 2023-24 season, but announced a delay as they wanted to consult with players from their women's side who were away representing runners-up England at the World Cup in Australia.
A statement was released last week acknowledging that the final decision "ultimately rests with the chief executive officer [Richard Arnold]". Now on Monday, the Manchester outfit have put out a nuanced statement bringing the investigation to its end.
The investigation reportedly "concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture" and they believe "Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged". The statement adds however that "Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for".
The communication ends acknowledging the "mutually agreed" decision that Greenwood would face considerable "difficulties .. recommencing his career at Manchester United" and therefore he will step away from the club, although they will "work with Mason to achieve that outcome".