‘I did not do the things I was accused of, but I accept I made mistakes’: Mason Greenwood agrees to leave Manchester United and ‘continue his career elsewhere’ following huge fan backlash over now-dropped rape allegations

Mason Greenwood today admitted to ‘making mistakes’ when he agreed to leave Manchester United.

It came after the club announced that his career at Old Trafford was over.

The Premier League giants on Monday afternoon announced the result of their lengthy internal investigation into his allegations of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behavior and assault, halted in February.

It marked the end of a disastrous saga in which high-profile fans, including Rachel Riley, publicly turned against the club.

Greenwood said in a statement this afternoon: “I want to start by saying I understand people will judge me because of what they saw and heard on social media, and I know people will think the worst.

“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.

Riley, who is a known United fan, felt she would be ‘unable’ to support her club if Greenwood returned

Erik ten Hag’s side said they are working with Greenwood on his departure from the Red Devils

“I am learning to understand my responsibilities to lead by example as a professional football player, and I am focused on the great responsibility of being a father, as well as being a good partner.

“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. I am immensely grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support, and it is now up to me to repay the trust placed in me.

“I intend to become a better footballer, but above all a good father, a better person, and to use my talents on and off the field in a positive way.”

Greenwood faced charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behavior, and sexual assault, with investigations beginning in January 2022.

The Premier League giants announced the results of their internal investigation on Monday

Allegations of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behavior and assault of a 21-year-old were dropped in February

United announced on January 30 that he would be suspended from training and playing ‘until further notice’, pending the outcome of their own internal investigation.

Their statement on Monday afternoon 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 has required 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 matter.

“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.”

Mail sports understands that the final details are still being arranged. Greenwood will leave on loan or his contract will be upheld. According to sources, he will no longer play for United.

Greenwood has not played for the Premier League giants since his arrest in January 2022 for attempted rape, assault and coercion. The charges were later dropped.

United supporters protested against his possible return to the first team on Monday

Greenwood was arrested after some harrowing images and videos were posted on social media.

Fans said last week that the sight of him running onto the Old Trafford pitch would poison the club and ‘destroy’ the Manchester United community.

Natalie Burrell, founder of Manchester United’s Women’s Supporters’ Club, said she doesn’t think he should be welcome.

She said, ‘I’ve been going to this club since I was a little girl. It’s such an important part of my life.

“It’s community, it’s everything, it’s where I get a lot of my social life, a lot of my friends.”

“It would only destroy that. It is destroying it now that there are mass divisions and protests.

“It will make it toxic if he goes out at Old Trafford, people will berate him.

“Some may support him and say we should continue to support, but you cannot support such a person. I think it’s all because they don’t have a lot of standout options and this is an easy way to get someone in who is talented,” she added in the interview with News night.

It comes after Countdown co-host Rachel Rileywho is a well-known Red Devils fan, insisted she would stop supporting the club if Greenwood was brought back.

The club’s final decision has yet to be made public, but his reintegration into the first team remains an option, which would be highly controversial given the circumstances of the case amid fan protests over the matter.

Riley tweeted to her 684,000 followers and said: “I can’t support United if Greenwood stays at the club.”

At Greenwood, the Manchester United women’s side have reportedly expressed concern about his return to the club’s Carrington training ground.

Ahead of United’s men’s team’s season opener against Wolves, fans protested against his possible reinsertion, calling the club “spinless” and urging them not to leave the decision to the women’s team, opening up the women’s stars to mean abuse.

United released a statement on Wednesday saying: ‘Following the withdrawal of all charges against Mason Greenwood in February 2023, Manchester United have launched a thorough investigation into the allegations against him.

“This is based on extensive evidence and context that is not in the public domain, and we have heard from countless people with direct involvement or knowledge of the matter.

“Throughout this process, the well-being and perspective of the alleged victim has been at the center of the club’s investigations and we respect her right to lifelong anonymity.

“We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a youngster who has been with the club since he was seven, and as a brand new father with a partner.

“The research phase of our investigation is now complete and we are in the final stages of making a decision about Mason’s future.

“Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently being intensively considered internally.

‘The ultimate responsibility lies with the Chief Executive Officer. Once the decision is made, it is communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders.

“This has been a difficult case for anyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain.”

“We ask for patience as we go through the final stages of this carefully considered process.”