Man Utd issue official statement on Mason Greenwood’s future

Carlo Garganese

• 16 Aug 2023 16:20 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United have issued an official statement on the future of Mason Greenwood amid reports they are planning to reintegrate the young attacker.

The 21-year-old has not played for – or trained with – Man Utd since January 2022, when he was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault.

Consequently, United suspended Greenwood, who was ultimately charged in October 2022 with attempted rape, engaging in controlling behaviour, and assault – only for all of those charges to be dropped in February 2023.

Since then, United have been considering Greenwood’s future – amid widespread backlash from fans and the wider football community about the possibility of the former England international playing for the club again.

There has been speculation recently that Greenwood will return to the fold at Man Utd.

The club has now responded to these reports with an official statement on its website.

Man Utd statement on Mason Greenwood

The statement reads: “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.”

Greenwood made his Man Utd debut in 2019 and has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances.