MANCHESTER UNITED AXED Mason Greenwood today, as the striker stated: “I understand people will judge me”.
Following a club review into his behaviour following his detention in January 2022, Mason Greenwood will not be returning to Old Trafford.
The club confirmed the completion of the 21 year old’s investigation in a statement issued this afternoon. They did not, however, reveal the striker’s future plans, such as if his £75,000-a-week contract will be cancelled or if he will be loaned or sold.
Greenwood’s future has been uncertain since he was suspended by United after being charged with attempted rape, violence, and coercive control – even after the case was withdrawn.
The club said they had 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”.
Utd said they investigated evidence “not in the public domain,” including “direct knowledge of the case.”
The club added: “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.
“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.”
Mason Greenwood’s Statement
Greenwood also issued a statement in which he stated he had done nothing wrong but was “learning to understand my responsibilities as a professional footballer.”
He added: “I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and I know people will think the worst.
“I was brought up to know that violence or abuse is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges.
“However, I fully accept I made mistakes, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.
“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. I am enormously grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support, and it is now for me to repay the trust those around me have 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 on and off the pitch.”
Mason Greenwood’s Journey
In recent months, he has increased his fitness, engaged a private coach, and been pictured participating in 1-2-1 sessions at an £85-a-year public pitch.
He was also seen having fun with his United teammate Anthony Elanga and Irish Serie A player James Abankwah during previous workouts.
Greenwood first kicked a ball as a child at the age of five, when his father Andrew, 53, introduced him to local youth club Idle Juniors FC.
When he was barely seven years old, United’s academy scouts came calling and offered him a position in their development center in Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Later, at United’s Cliff training complex, the bright youngster posed for a portrait with then-player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who would go on to become his manager.
He quickly ascended through the ranks at United, becoming top scorer for the Under-18 Premier League North and Player of the Tournament when the youth team defeated Real Madrid to win the ICGT trophy in the Netherlands.
Manager Jose Mourinho chose him as a 16-year-old for the club’s pre-season tour of the United States in 2018. A few months later, he signed his first professional deal with United for £800 per week, with his father acting as his agent.
In February 2021, United announced that Greenwood had signed a new £75,000-per-week contract that would keep him at the club until 2025, with the option to extend it for an additional year.
Greenwood was valued at over £50 million prior to his arrest and was regarded as one of Europe’s hottest rising talents.
Fans who had replica shirts with his name on them were told they could swap them for free, and the club withdrew all items relating to the player from its website and megastore.
Nike, which signed a boot agreement with Greenwood in 2020, also canceled its multi-million pound sponsorship arrangement with him, while EA Sports pulled him from its legendary FIFA 22 video game.
