Mason Greenwood is to leave Manchester United
Gary Neville has said Manchester United have made the right decision over Mason Greenwood but is angry at the process and the length of time it took.
Gary Neville has said Manchester United have made the “right decision” on Mason Greenwood – but raised questions over the length it took and the process that led to their final decision.
In a surprising turn of events, Manchester United has announced that Mason Greenwood will be leaving the club following an internal investigation. This decision comes after a series of controversies surrounding the young forward, raising questions about the handling of the situation by the club.
While some, like former United captain Gary Neville, believe it is the right decision, others argue that the process leading up to this outcome has been flawed.
Mason Greenwood faced serious charges including attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. However, these charges were eventually dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service, leaving the young player’s future at Manchester United uncertain. While the legal aspect of the case was resolved, the repercussions within the club were far from over.
News of Greenwood’s potential return to the Manchester United first-team squad sparked a wave of backlash from fans and pundits alike. Reports suggested that United figureheads, led by chief executive Richard Arnold, had informed club staff to prepare for Greenwood’s return. This decision was met with criticism, particularly in light of the serious nature of the charges he had faced. The fans felt that this was an untenable situation and called for the club to take decisive action.
Some fans were calling for Mason Greenwood to leave the club and wondered why it was taking so long to take action. Countdown Rachel Riley called for Mason Greenwood to leave the club and said if he played for the team again, she would stop supporting them.
Read:Rachel Riley Does Not Want Mason Greenwood To Return To Manchester United
Parents were turning to social media asking why it was taking so long for Mason Greenwood to leave the club. Many were saying it was sending the wrong message to children and said they would boycott the club if he returned.
On Monday, Manchester United confirmed Greenwood’s departure in a lengthy statement. The club acknowledged the difficulties involved in reintegrating him into the team and stated that it would be most appropriate for him to continue his career away from Old Trafford. This decision was reached through a collaborative process involving Manchester United, Greenwood, and his family.
In his own statement, released on the same day, Mason Greenwood expressed his understanding of the judgment he would face from the public. He emphasized that violence or abuse in any relationship is wrong and that he did not engage in the actions he was accused of. However, he also acknowledged his own mistakes in his relationship and took responsibility for the situations that led to the social media post. Greenwood expressed his commitment to becoming a better footballer, a good father, and a better person overall.
Mason Greenwood said: “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 in any relationship is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges.”
“However, I fully accept I made mistakes in my relationship, 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.”
Gary Neville, speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football broadcast, raised concerns about Manchester United’s handling of the situation. He emphasized the importance of strong and authoritative leadership in dealing with significant and difficult situations like this. Neville argued that issues of domestic abuse and violence against women should be subject to independent reviews, rather than being solely judged by the club involved. He suggested that Manchester United did not have the necessary skill and ability to handle this situation appropriately.
He said on Sky Sports, “Yes, they have made the right decision and finally got there. However, the process of getting there has been pretty horrible.”
“Manchester United, when you have significant situations and difficult situations like this, you need strong and authoritative leadership, and Manchester United don’t have that. On an issue like domestic abuse and violence against women, it brings me to third point that there needs to be an independent review, it should not be that Manchester United are the judge and jury on a significant situation, not only for themselves, but also for the game.
“People talk about the representation of Manchester United, but it’s the Premier League as well. My view is on issues of this importance and severity, they should be dealt with independently because it’s clear that Manchester United have not had the skill and ability to deal with this situation – it’s been well above their experience and ability.”
Neville’s call for independent reviews is a reminder that clubs have a responsibility not only to themselves but also to the game as a whole. Issues of this magnitude and severity should be handled transparently and independently to ensure fairness and accountability.
