Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood. File.| Photo Credit: Reuters

Manchester United ahead Mason Greenwood will depart Old Trafford, he and the Premier League membership stated on Monday, to keep away from being a "distraction" regardless of being cleared of allegations of assault and tried rape.

Greenwood, who was suspended by United in January 2022 when accusations in opposition to him surfaced on social media, was charged with tried rape, controlling behaviour and assault final October.

He had been resulting from stand trial on Nov. 27, 2023, however all felony costs in opposition to him had been dropped in February, with the Crown Prosecution Service saying it was resulting from "the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light".

United stated their investigation started as soon as costs had been dropped.

"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," the membership stated in an announcement.

But it stated "all those involved, including Mason" recognised the difficulties with him recommencing his profession 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," it stated.

'Best choice'

In an announcement to British media, Greenwood stated he had "made mistakes", including: "I did not do the things I was accused of.

"Today's choice has been a part of a collaborative course of between Manchester United, my household 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."

Greenwood got here via United's youth academy and made his first-team debut in 2019 aged 17. He was a key member of the facet within the 2021-22 season, making 18 Premier League appearances earlier than being suspended.

"I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me which is United," added Greenwood, who additionally performed as soon as for England in 2020.

"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."

Minimising distractions

Last week, British media reported that United had been contemplating Greenwood's return to the squad, following which a gaggle of followers staged a protest outdoors Old Trafford forward of United's season-opening win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

In an open letter addressed to the membership's followers, CEO Richard Arnold stated the membership had thought-about a number of outcomes, one in every of which was Greenwood's reintegration into the squad, earlier than coming to their choice.

"This case has provoked strong opinions, and it is my responsibility to minimise any distraction to the unity we are seeking within the club," Arnold stated.

"Although we have decided that Mason will seek to rebuild his career away from Manchester United, that does not signal the end of this matter.

"The membership will proceed to supply its assist each to the alleged sufferer and Mason to assist them rebuild and transfer ahead positively with their lives."

Domestic violence charity Women's Aid said United's decision to part ways with Greenwood will be a "aid for a lot of survivors of home and sexual abuse".

"... the best way that alleged home abuse instances are handled in golf equipment has a big impact on public understanding about what's accepted and tolerated in society," a spokeswoman for the charity added.