Gary Neville has insisted Manchester United made the right decision after announcing that Mason Greenwood will leave Old Trafford after the club completed its internal assessment of the striker – but criticized their handling of the situation.
The 21-year-old, who was arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of a number of offenses including attempted rape, will no longer play for the club and is likely to leave on loan or see his contract completed.
The prosecution subsequently dropped the charges in February this year after key witnesses withdrew and new material came to light.
But Greenwood has not played for United since his arrest, which launched their own investigation. That seven-month 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.
And Neville, speaking on Monday Night Football, felt the right outcome had been achieved, but criticized the club’s process of getting there.
Gary Neville insisted Manchester United made the right decision about Mason Greenwood’s future
United announced that Greenwood would be leaving following an internal investigation
However, Neville criticized the process United went through during the seventh-month inquiry, lashing out at the club’s lack of “strong and authoritative leadership” from the club’s top ranks.
“Yes, I think they (made the right decision),” said the former United defender.
“It was clear from day one to me and to anyone who saw that evidence that was initially released that he would not be playing for Man United again.
“And so they got there, but I would say the process of getting there has been pretty awful.
“I think when you have important situations and difficult situations like this, Manchester United need strong and authoritative leadership and that comes from the top and Manchester United don’t have that.”
Neville also claimed that extremely sensitive issues like this cannot be dealt with by clubs alone and that independent help should be sought in similar situations in the future.
He added: “And on an issue like domestic violence and violence against women, it brings me to a third point that there has to be independence.
“Manchester United shouldn’t be the judge and jury on such an important issue, not only for themselves but for the game.
“People talk about reputation at Man United, but it’s also the Premier League here. And my view here is that on issues of this importance and gravity they should be dealt with independently by a panel.
“Because it’s clear that Manchester United haven’t had the skill and ability to handle this situation properly – it’s way beyond their level of experience and ability.”
After the news was announced on Monday afternoon, a United spokesperson said: “All those involved, including Mason, recognize the difficulties 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 had allegations of attempted rape and sexual assault dropped against him earlier this year
A group of Man United supporters protested before the club’s first home game of the season, expressing their opposition to striker Mason Greenwood being reintegrated into the first team.
“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 made mistakes for which he takes responsibility.”
Greenwood added in his own statement: “I was brought up 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. 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.”
Chief executive Richard Arnold handled the investigation, which was assisted by chief operating officer Collette Roche, the club’s legal adviser Patrick Stewart, their communications director Ellie Norman and the Red Devils’ director of football John Murtough.
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