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Manchester United say they are in the “final stages” of making a decision on Mason Greenwood’s future after completing their investigation into his arrest, which has included considering “evidence and context not in the public domain.”
United were set to make an announcement on Greenwood’s future before the start of the season but it has since been delayed while the club speak to key stakeholders, including the women’s team.
Criminal charges against Greenwood, which included attempted rape, were dropped in February, prompting the club to open their own investigation.
The process is now complete, according to a statement issued by the club Wednesday.
The statement read: “Following the dropping of all charges against Mason Greenwood in February 2023, Manchester United has conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations made against him.
“This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain, and we have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case.
“Throughout this process, the welfare and perspective of the alleged victim has been central to the club’s inquiries, and we respect her right to lifelong anonymity.
“We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner.
“The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future.”
United insist a decision has not yet been made.
The club statement continued: “Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders.
“This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain.
“We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process.”
Greenwood, now 21, was first arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of attempted rape and assault after images and an audio file were circulated online.
United later released a statement to confirm that Greenwood would be suspended from training and matches.
After an investigation that lasted more than a year, the Crown Prosecution Service released a statement in February 2023 to confirm that criminal proceedings had been discontinued.
It said the decision was based on “a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light which meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.”
The news prompted United to open their own investigation into the circumstances around Greenwood’s arrest. The club said he would remain suspended “until further notice.”
CEO Richard Arnold will make the final decision on Greenwood’s future after an investigation led by a panel of United executives and chief legal officer Patrick Stewart.
There were also conversations with co-owner Joel Glazer, but the decision has been left to Arnold.
United, according to sources, have been keen not to rush their investigation, which has been described as “very complex.”
Greenwood and his family were spoken to as part of their process, as was the alleged victim and her family.
United, according to sources, have looked at similar situations from entertainment, music and media sectors including the fallout following Raith Rovers’ decision to employ David Goodwillie.
The Scottish club released Goodwillie, ruled a rapist in a 2017 civil case, before he had played a game following an angry backlash to his signing in September 2022. Ahead of Monday’s game against Wolves at Old Trafford, a group of United fans staged a protest against Greenwood’s potential return.
Greenwood hasn’t played a competitive game since United’s 1-0 win over West Ham on Jan. 22, 2022.
He has been training to improve his fitness, including during a spell in Dubai. Greenwood remains under contract at Old Trafford until 2025 and the club hold an option to extend his deal for a further year.
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