The news that Mason Greenwood will leave Manchester United brings to an end a six-month investigation by the club into the player’s conduct. His exit was “mutually agreed”, according to statements released by the striker and United, with the club concluding he did not commit the offences he was charged with. However, serious questions remain over United’s handling of the situation, and whether football clubs can ever be trusted to act as judge and jury over serious allegations involving their talent.
Greenwood was suspended by United in January 2022 after allegations made against him online, which led to him being arrested and later charged for attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault. The CPS dropped the charges in February of this year, citing “a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light”.
