Gary Lineker calls Manchester United’s decision to ditch Mason Greenwood ‘inevitable’ and insists it’s the right choice as the footballing world reacts to bombshell conclusion out of Old Trafford
Gary Lineker calls Manchester United’s decision to dump Mason Greenwood ‘inevitable’ and insists it is the right thing to do as the football world reacts to Old Trafford’s stellar conclusion
Gary Lineker has described Mason Greenwood’s decision to leave Manchester United as ‘inevitable and right’.
Greenwood is set to leave United after the club completes its assessment of the striker.
Lineker wrote on Twitter: ‘Inevitable and right decision in an unsustainable situation.’
Greenwood, who was arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of a number of crimes including attempted rape, will no longer play for United and is likely to leave on loan or see his contract upheld.
The prosecution dropped the charges in February this year after key witnesses withdrew and new material came to light.
Mason Greenwood will no longer play for Manchester United after an internal investigation
Gary Lineker has described Mason Greenwood’s decision to leave Manchester United as ‘inevitable and right’
Greenwood has not played for United since his arrest, which launched their own investigation. That investigation has now ended. United found that Greenwood did not commit the offenses he was accused of, but have also concluded that it would be best for everyone if his future was away from Old Trafford.
A United spokesman said: “Everyone involved, including Mason, recognizes the difficulties he is experiencing in resuming his career at Manchester United. It was therefore mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do this outside Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that result.”
A statement from United read: “Manchester United has completed its internal investigation into the allegations against Mason Greenwood.
Our trial began in February 2023, after all charges against Mason were dropped. Throughout, we have considered the wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim, along with the club’s norms and values, and tried to gather as much information and context as possible. This forced us to work with sensitivity and care to obtain evidence that is not in the public domain, including from those with direct knowledge of the case.
“Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a complete picture and that Mason did not commit the crimes for which he was originally charged. That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes for which he takes responsibility.
“Everyone involved, including Mason, recognizes the difficulties he is experiencing in resuming his career at Manchester United. It was therefore mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do this outside Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that result.”
Greenwood will not play for United again and is likely to be loaned out or his contract settled.
Greenwood said: ‘I was raised to know that violence or abuse in any relationship is wrong, I didn’t do the things I was accused of and in February I was cleared of all charges. However, I fully accept that I have made mistakes in my relationship and I take my share of responsibility for the situations that led up to the social media post.
“Today’s decision is part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me. The best decision for all of us is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not distract the club. I thank the club for their support since I joined at the age of seven. There will always be a part of me that is united.”
