Manchester United’s young forward, Mason Greenwood, is set to depart the club after a six-month internal investigation into his controversial conduct. The announcement was made by the club on Monday, revealing that the decision was reached through mutual agreement.
The investigation followed Greenwood’s suspension in January 2022, stemming from his arrest after explicit audio and images surfaced on social media. Despite charges of serious allegations being dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023, the club continued its thorough internal assessment.
According to reports, Greenwood will not don the iconic Manchester United jersey again. The 21-year-old is poised to leave the club either on loan or through a contract settlement. The decision was originally anticipated ahead of the new season, but United extended the deadline to gather input from key stakeholders, including the women’s team, sponsors, and fans’ groups.
Earlier speculations suggested that Greenwood might be reintegrated into the first-team squad under Erik ten Hag’s management, as CEO Richard Arnold hinted at a possible return. However, due to a significant backlash from supporters and staff, the plans for his return were scrapped.
Greenwood’s remarkable journey began when he joined Manchester United at the age of six. He made his professional debut at just 17, becoming the youngest player ever to represent the club in the Champions League. During his tenure, he scored 35 goals and provided 12 assists in 139 games, solidifying his position as one of the most promising forwards globally.
Although he was never found guilty in court for the accusations against him, the damaging impact on his public reputation from the initial incident remains a challenge. With his departure from Manchester United, Greenwood is expected to explore opportunities elsewhere to continue his career.
In recent times, the English forward was linked with several Serie A clubs, including Atalanta, AS Roma, and Juventus. It remains uncertain whether Manchester United will seek a transfer fee for his departure or choose to mutually terminate his contract.
Mason Greenwood’s journey with Manchester United is coming to an end following a prolonged internal investigation. While his time at the club was marked by impressive achievements, his departure raises questions about his future endeavors in the world of football.
