Manchester United have announced that they will not reinstate Mason Greenwood following the saga of his domestic abuse and violence incident.
The 21-year-old has been in limbo since all the charges relating to his domestic violence case were dropped. He has been training alone, waiting for his chance to return to the football pitch.
Manchester United, however, decided to conduct internal investigations into the matter before they unsuspended the player’s contract and gave him his position back. In the course of making a decision, they faced backlash from a group of supporters who did not want to see Greenwood back at the club.
In the wake of the backlash, they released an official statement where they announced the cutting of their ties with the player for good.
“All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United,” the statement began. “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.
“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.”
Greenwood, in his own statement that followed after the Red Devils cut ties with him, said: “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.”
Greenwood could remain on Manchester United’s books but he will not be playing for the club again, according to the terms of their split. He could be loaned to another club to see out the duration of his contract which ends in 2025.
He could also be moved on permanently in the transfer window for a fee that would most likely see United take a loss on the player.
