Mason Greenwood: Man Utd explain who will make final decision on forward’s future

Manchester United have released a statement on Mason Greenwood’s future and have said they are in the ‘final stages’ of making a decision on the 21-year-old’s next steps.

Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 and charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault, but those charges were dropped in February this year due to the ‘withdrawal of key witnesses’. United subsequently began conducting an internal investigation into the incident, which would determine Greenwood’s future at the club.

There had been speculation that a decision would be made before the home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night, although an outcome has been delayed, with reports United are waiting to speak to players at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand cited as a reason to pause the process.

But United released a statement on Wednesday and explained they have now finished the ‘fact-finding phase’ of their investigation, and Chief Executive Officer Richard Anrold will ultimately make the final decision on Greenwood’s future.

“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,” the club said via their website.

“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, who has been filmed training in recent months, has always denied the charges against him.

It has since been reported by The Athletic that Arnold told executive leadership in the first week of August that he planned to reintegrate Greenwood. “Arnold intended to record a video explaining the decision that would be shared both with staff and the general public,” claimed the outlet, who add the announcement was supposed to be made on 4 August.

Greenwood has not played for United since January last year, and there was interest from Italy about potentially taking the player on loan this season.

The striker has played 129 senior games for the club and has scored 35 goals. He has also earned one England captain.