Gary Neville gives impassioned response to Man Utd decision over Mason Greenwood

Gary Neville has given an impassioned reaction to Manchester United's decision that Mason Greenwood will leave the club by mutual consent.

United confirmed in an official statement on Monday that Greenwood will leave Old Trafford via mutual consent after the club completed its internal investigation into his behaviour.

Greenwood has not played for United since his initial suspension in January 2022.

That came after he was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault, and subsequently charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The charges were discontinued in February, with the CPS stating that 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'.

United will now work with Greenwood to secure a move away from Old Trafford. His contract at the club expires in 2025.

Now, Neville has reacted to the club's decision on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football - and believes United have made the correct choice.

Gary Neville reacts to Man Utd Mason Greenwood decision

When asked by presenter David Jones over whether he believed United had come to a correct decision, he replied: "Yes, they have. They have finally got there.

"However, I would say that the process in getting there has been pretty horrible.

"Manchester United, when you have significant situations and difficult situations like this, it requires strong and authoritative leadership. And that comes from the very top. Manchester United don't have that."

He added: "On an issue like domestic abuse on violence against women, it brings me to a third point, that there needs to be independence.

"It shouldn't be that Manchester United are judge and jury on such a significant issue. Not just for themselves, but also for the game. People talk about the reputation to Manchester United, but it's the Premier League here as well.

"My issue is, on issues of this importance and severity, they should be dealt with independently by a panel, because it's been clear that Manchester United have not had the skill and the ability to deal with this situation properly.

"It's been well above their grade of experience and ability."

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Fellow Monday Night Football pundit Karen Carney said: "I think Manchester United, as an institution and as a football club, has handled this really, really poorly.

"I think from the statements that have been confusing and conflicting to everybody, from the leaks, from involving stakeholders unnecessarily, i.e.: female players, the Lionesses. It's been really handled poorly.

"It's a really uneasy situation for me."

Jamie Carragher added: "I think, however Manchester United have got to the decision that they got to, you have to say this is right. I think we all agree across the board with that, that the right decision has been made - that he doesn't play for Manchester United again.

"You're almost thinking what decision Manchester United may have come to if these stories hadn't been leaked, and then obviously you get the force of public opinion. That would be a worry.

"You have to reiterate about what Gary's just said about the leadership at the top of the club. But ultimately, right now, they've got to the right decision."

More to follow.