What next for Man Utd's Mason Greenwood?

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 23 Aug 2023 10:15 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United attacker Mason Greenwood is set to leave after the club decided the best course of action would be to let him continue his career elsewhere.

The youngster has had the charges of attempted rape and assault, which were levelled against him, dropped before Man Utd did an internal investigation.

The 21-year-old England international was arrested in January 2022 and later charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. A trial date of 27 November had been set.

READ MORE: Greenwood gets INTERNATIONAL call after Man Utd departure

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said “criminal proceedings” had been “discontinued by the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service)”.

A spokesman told the BBC: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review.

“In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case.”

Man Utd statement

Man Utd then undertook their own investigation into the case surrounding Greenwood, before releasing a statement on Monday, August 21. It read: "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.

"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."

Greenwood released his own statement, accepting that he had made mistakes" and will take his"share of responsibility", though he also clarified: "I did not do the things I was accused of."

He said: "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.

Greenwood is set to be moved on, whether on a loan or permanent basis. There's been reported to be wide interest in the striker, from Turkey, Italy, and even in England.

Will Greenwood's contract be terminated?

ESPN reports that Man Utd may look to terminate the player's contract if no club comes forward with an offer. The club have until the end of the transfer window - September 1 - to ensure that he departs Old Trafford.

It may prove costly for Man Utd, but following their investigation into the matter and the backlash that the club received after it was leaked that they may consider bringing Greenwood back into the fold, the side opted to either sell or loan Greenwood this window.

Where will Greenwood go?

Greenwood's deal runs until 2025, with a club option to extend for an additional 12 months at Old Trafford.

Clubs in Turkey have been linked - as well as the Serie A and Saudi Arabia. However, the Pro League is thought to be dubious about bringing in Greenwood, as they try and enhance their image around women's rights for the wider audience.

It is believed that Greenwood is looking for the best place to go and relive his life with his partner.

Man Utd will not look to monetise the sale of Greenwood. There is talks about how to use any fee that is generated, with calls for the money to go to women's charities, but that is yet to be decided by the club.