Author: Soorya G
Manchester United have officially announced that Mason Greenwood will be leaving the club following a strong reaction from protesting supporters’ groups and women’s rights activists after it was speculated that the player would be allowed to return to the pitch. The player was suspended for around a year before the decision was made. Greenwood was one of Manchester United’s brightest stars and perhaps one of the most talented youngsters on the planet, on a par with players like Pedri, Jamal Musiala and Jude Bellingham. With excellent results on the pitch for the better part of two seasons, things seemed to be going according to plan for the young man before photos, videos and audios appeared on social media implicating him in a possible case of domestic violence against his partner.
Greenwood was immediately suspended from the United team while the authorities investigated the case. Within a few months, all the charges against Greenwood were dismissed. withdrawn and the investigation was closed. However, United did not comment on the matter and said they would conduct an internal investigation to determine whether he would be recalled to the team, the decision of which would be revealed before the start of the season.
Although there have been reports that Greenwood was found not guilty by the internal investigation, United issued a vague statement, now seen as a measure to gauge public sentiment. After a lot of repercussions, the club went back on its decision and began the process of transferring the player.
Gary Neville, a former Manchester United player, was furious and criticized his club’s handling of the situation. Neville stated that United never intended to bring the player back and that they should have been more authoritative in dealing with the matter. Neville said that the seriousness of the situation required an independent panel to investigate the matter and that, although the club did nothing of the sort, it only did what it could to appease the fans, regardless of which side of the issue they were on.
“It was clear from day one that he wouldn’t be playing for Manchester United again. The process of getting there was horrible. When you have significant and difficult situations like this, you need strong, authoritative leadership. And that comes from the top. Manchester United don’t have that. In an issue like domestic abuse and violence against women, there needs to be independence.” said Neville.
“Manchester United should not be the judge and jury in such an important matter. Not just for them, but also for sport. People talk about Manchester United’s reputation, but this is also the Premier League. My opinion is that issues of this importance and seriousness should be dealt with independently by a panel. It was clear that Manchester United lacked the skill and ability to deal with this situation properly. It was way above their level of experience and ability” added the veteran.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news, posting a tweet saying that Manchester United and Mason Greenwood would be parting ways.
“Mason Greenwood will no longer play for Manchester United. United and Greenwood have mutually agreed that his future will be away from Manchester United after the conclusion of the club’s internal investigation.“
The player also issued his own statement, claiming innocence regarding the accusations made against him, but also apologized for the “mistakes” he made during the relationship. Greenwood, who is now also a father, said he would strive to practise his profession elsewhere and thanked United for their association over the last decade and a half.