English Premier League side Manchester United on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, issued a statement concerning the ongoing internal investigation in regard to the future of its suspended player Mason Greenwood.
United, in the statement posted on their website, noted that the fact-finding phase of the probe has been concluded.
It further noted that it was now in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future.
Manchester United launched an internal investigation after the player’s charges were dropped.
“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,” the club said in the statement.
“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,” it added.
No decision yet
It had been anticipated that a decision on whether to allow the young player back to the team or not would be made before the start of the 2023/2024 season.
However, according to the latest update, that decision has not been made.
This is contrary to speculations that have been doing rounds on various social media pages and sports blogs globally.
The club insists that a decision on the future of Mason Greenwood is solely on its Chief Executive Officer.
It also noted that once the decision is made, it will be communicated to the public.
“Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation. Responsibility ultimately rests with the Chief Executive Officer,” Manchester United statement read.
“Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders,” it added.
The 21-year-old forward was suspended in January 2022 after he was arrested on suspicion of raping and assaulting a woman.
Since then, Greenwood has not trained with or appeared for, either his club or his national team.
He was charged in October 2022 with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behaviour.
All charges against him were dropped in February 2023.
As the club awaits a final decision from the CEO, it has admitted that the matter has been difficult.
It has however asked for patience amongst all 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,” noted the statement.
