Manchester United have decided to part ways with Mason Greenwood after an internal investigation conducted following his alleged rape and assault allegations.
The 21-year-old forward was cleared of charges on February 2, 2023 criminal allegations but the club decided to do their own further investigations to be sure of calling the forward back into the team.
Prior to that Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 and was later charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm which he denied.
However, in a statement released on Monday, Manchester United have decided to end their working relationship with the English striker despite not finding any ‘offences'.
According to the club, it would be best to part ways than continue.
“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,” parts of the statement read.
Greenwood has accepted the decision while insisting he was innocent of all the initial charges slapped on him.
“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,” Greenwood said.
Adding that: “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.”
Greenwood whose contract with Manchester United was set to end in 2025 will be expected to find a new club in the ongoing transfer window.