Mason Greenwood breaks silence after mutual decision to leave Manchester United

Mason Greenwood has broken his silence after Manchester United confirmed the outcome of an internal investigation.

Greenwood was arrested and subsequently charged with attempted rape, assault and coercive control back in January 2022 and suspended by the club.

The charges were then dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service just over a year later, with key witnesses withdrawing their involvement in the case and new material emerging.

From that point onwards United had been conducting a thorough review which was expected to be completed prior to the start of the new season.

Last week the club said they were in "the final stages of making a decision" on Greenwood, who has a contract until 2025.

And on Monday afternoon a statement from the club said it was mutually agreed that the England international will continue his playing career away from United.

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The statement on the club's website finished: "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."

Greenwood himself had remained silent throughout the process and trained alone. He has now issued a statement on the matter.

"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," Greenwood said, as per The Athletic.

"I was brought up to know that violence or abuse in any relationship 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 in my relationship, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.

"I am learning to understand my responsibilities to set a good example as a professional footballer, and I’m focused on the big responsibility of being a father, as well as a good partner.

"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."

Image credit: Getty

Greenwood's final game for United was a 1-0 win over West Ham in January 2022. The 21-year-old came through the ranks at United and scored 35 goals in 129 games.

Topics: Mason Greenwood, Manchester United, Premier League, England

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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