After completing an intense internal investigation on 21-year-old forward Mason Greenwood this week, English Premier League giants and 13-time winner Manchester United announced that they will be parting ways with the England striker with immediate effect. The Wibsey-born Mason Greenwood was plagued with charges of attempted rape and assault by his partner Harriet Robson from January 2022 until the start of this New Year, following “New evidence that came to light” and withdrawal of key witnesses. The controversial striker made the headlines again when it was revealed that he became a father when Robson gave birth to the couple’s first child in an Instagram post.
Since then, the 20-time English champion Manchester United decided to conduct an investigation of their own on the player’s future at the club, with consultations being raised to management personnel, coaching staff, players, and even members from the women’s team as well as sponsors such as Adidas, before drawing a conclusion that Mason Greenwood will be leaving his boyhood club after 17 years of service.
Manchester United’s Official Statement
In an official statement posted on Manchester United’s website regarding Mason Greenwood’s future at the club, the Red Devils mentioned: “Manchester United has concluded its internal investigation into the allegations made against Mason Greenwood. Our process commenced in February 2023, following all charges against Mason being dropped. Throughout, we have 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. This has required us to proceed with sensitivity and care to obtain evidence not in the public domain, including from those with direct knowledge of the case.
“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.”
Happy 20th birthday, Mason Greenwood 🎉
• 113 appearances 😯
• 32 goals ⚽️
• 10 assists 🅰️His stats as a teenager for Manchester United are frightening 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Bn9kK64pfv
— GOAL (@goal) October 1, 2021
Mason Greenwood: “There Will Always Be a Part of Me Which Is United.”
In relation to this statement, Manchester United also represented Mason Greenwood to publish his official statement on the club’s website. It reads “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. However, I fully accept I made mistakes, 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.”
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35 Goals in 129 Appearances for Manchester United
Prior to leaving Manchester United, Mason Greenwood spent his entire youth and senior professional football career at the Red Devils from 2007 until 2023. He made his first official appearance for the Red Side of Manchester in the 2018/2019 Season, before erupting to his personal best year of 17 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions for the club in the following season.
Until January 2022, the gifted forward Mason Greenwood has contributed a total of 35 goals and 12 assists in 129 appearances for Manchester United and earned his one and only international cap for the England national team back in 2020, when he came on as a 78th-minute substitute in England’s 1-0 win over Iceland in the 2020/2021 UEFA Nations League A match.
What Is Next for Mason Greenwood?
After leaving Manchester United, it is interesting to see where is Mason Greenwood heading for the next chapter of his professional football career. Among many options available, it would be unlikely to see the 21-year-old forward to play for any clubs in England again due to the hostile atmosphere English fans might have toward the player over his previous charges of attempted assault and rape. Therefore, it is only fair for Mason Greenwood to seek opportunities outside England to extend and revive his professional football career.
Possible destinations for the Manchester United academy graduate are moves to other parts of Europe such as Turkey or Italy. If Mason Greenwood chooses to depart from Europe to other continents, the current hotspot of footballers, the Saudi Pro League or Major League Soccer, who welcomed Lionel Messi this summer, are likely next stops for the England striker.
