Manchester United and Mason Greenwood have mutually agreed on the striker’s departure from Old Trafford, 20 months after the player faced allegations of abuse involving a young girl, the club announced on Monday.
The 21-year-old striker had been suspended by the Premier League club since January 2022 over the allegations, after photos and videos were posted online.
Prosecutors said in February they were dropping charges against Greenwood, including attempted rape and assault, after key witnesses withdrew and new evidence was made public.
On Monday, the club said that after a six-month internal investigation into his conduct, they released Greenwood so he could try to rebuild his career elsewhere.
“Everyone involved, including Mason, recognize the difficulties for him to restart his career at Manchester United, so we agreed it would be more appropriate to do this outside Old Trafford.”
Greenwood, whose contract runs until June 2025, said: “I have not done the things I have been accused of and in February I was cleared of all charges. However, I fully accept that I have made mistakes in my relationship and I take my share of the responsibility. responsibility for situations”.
He added: “The best decision for all of us is to continue my football career away from Old Trafford where my presence will not distract the club. I thank the club for their support since I reached the age of seven. There will be always be a part of me that is united.”
The club added: “Based on the evidence in our possession, we have concluded that the material posted online does not give the full picture and that Mason has not committed the crimes he was originally accused of.
The player was arrested in January 2022, released in February and rearrested for disrespecting parole. Now Greenwood has been free since October.
Founded at Manchester United, Mason Greenwood made his debut as a professional in 2019. 35 goals were scored in 129 matches. In February 2021, he had already extended his contract until 2025.
Hours after the allegations surfaced, the player was suspended on 30 January 2022 by the club, which also opened an internal investigation at the time.
Source: DN
