After one year and six months of legal tussles and internal investigations, Mason Greenwood and Manchester United have finally parted ways.
The saga started in January 2022 when Mason Greenwood was arrested over visuals, audio recordings, and images posted on Instagram by his girlfriend, Harriet Robson, who indicted the 21-year-old fast-rising football star of sexual abuse, rape, and threat to life.
The arrest and the allegations forced Manchester United to suspend the out-of-favour England international and he also lost all his endorsement deals.
Mason Greenwood remained in prison for months as investigations, court hearings, and other legal processes continued.
To the dismay of many, the story changed in February 2023 when his rape charges were dropped, and allowed to live as a free man.
Greenwood even reunited with Harriet Robson and they gave birth to their first child together after the rape scandal.
Despite that, Manchester United refused to return him to the club as they continued their investigation and also continued to pay him over £70,000 per week in wages.
Amidst that, reports went viral that United were set to recall him back to the team but the reports sparked protests by some section of the club’s fans who believe that Greenwood is an abuser who should not be given a room at the club.
Recently, United announced that they have concluded their internal investigation on the saga but added that the club would decide on Mason Greenwood’s future later.
Earlier today, August 21, 2023, Manchester United finally concluded to let Mason Greenwood who still has a season left on his contract with the club leave to reportedly appease the agitating fans, save the club’s image, and also prevent a backlash against the club’s sponsors.
Mason Greenwood reacts
File photo of Mason Greenwood and his girlfriend, Harriet Robson.
In a lengthy reaction from Mason Greenwood over Manchester United’s decision to let him go, the 21-year-old forward confirmed that the club made the decision in partnership with his family and himself.
Greenwood wrote: “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 that 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.”
