Manchester United have confirmed they have completed their investigation into the Mason Greenwood case but are yet to reach a decision on his future.
The 21-year-old has not played for United since he was arrested in January 2022 after a recording and images were released on social media of an alleged sexual attack.
Charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm were dropped in February this year.
The club launched a thorough investigation into the allegations made against Greenwood, drawing ‘on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain’.
United say the final responsibility rests with the Chief Executive Officer, Richard Arnold, and a decision will be made public in due course.
They have rejected claims made by The Athletic that Arnold has already told the club’s executive leadership that Greenwood will be welcomed back into the fold.
United are potentially taking a massive risk with Greenwood
Regardless of United’s statement today, the club appear to be well on the way to allowing Greenwood to return to the first-team squad.
The decision must be communicated to numerous key stakeholders, which potentially explains the delay in confirming what seems to be inevitable.
United are going to great lengths to point out that Greenwood has been judged by the general public based on ‘partial evidence in the public domain’.
While this argument may have some merit, what was published in the public domain undoubtedly did not reflect well on Greenwood.
There has been plenty of talk about ‘rehabilitation’ for Greenwood, which is another point that United must consider in this case.
However, allowing Greenwood to resume his career at the club will generate a ton of heat for United at a time when they can ill afford outside distractions.
The risks involved seem to far outweigh any positives in this situation, and it will be intriguing to see how United attempt to ‘sell’ this when the decision eventually goes public.
