Manchester United announces Mason Greenwood will leave the club

Manchester United have announced that Mason Greenwood is leaving the club.

The 21-year-old had been at Old Trafford since 2018, having previously been part of the Red Devil's youth team.

However, he was later accused of attempted rape last year.

The charges were dropped, but the club has now announced his departure.

Getty/Visionhaus

Earlier today, Manchester United gave a lengthy statement about Greenwood's exit.

It read: "Our process commenced in February 2023, following all charges against Mason being dropped."

"Throughout, we have taken into account the wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible.

"This has required us to proceed with sensitivity and care to obtain evidence not in the public domain, including from those with direct knowledge of the case."

The statement continued: "Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged."

"That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.

The Manchester side then confirmed that forward would be leaving the club, writing: "All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United."

"It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome."

Getty/Ash Donelon

In reaction to the news, the 21-year-old player also gave a statement about his departure.

"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," he stated.

Referring to the previous criminal charges, he added: "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."

Greenwood also insisted that the decision had been a joint one, between him and Manchester United.

Continuing, he said: "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."

The former player then thanked those closest him for their continued support through the last year.

"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."

The announcement comes after the footballer was charged with attempted rape, assault and coercive behaviour back in October 2022.

Though these were later dropped in the following February, his continued prescience at the club has proved controversial.