The Manchester United chief executive’s open letter revealed plenty about the thought process that went into the Greenwood decision
Six months after attempted rape charges were dropped against Mason Greenwood, Manchester United explained in a 688-word letter to fans why he must finally leave Manchester United. Telegraph Sport dissects Richard Arnold’s entire message and explores where it leaves the club and Greenwood:
“Now that we have concluded and announced the outcome of the club’s investigation into Mason Greenwood, I want to be direct and transparent with our fans about the process and the reasons for our decision. This was an internal disciplinary investigation between employer and employee which would ordinarily take place outside of the public eye. Given the public nature of the allegations and Mason’s profile, I acknowledge that this was not an ordinary situation, but I felt it important that we still follow due process and, so far as possible, avoid media comment until I had made a definitive decision.”
An explanation from United had been long overdue, and Arnold underlines here that it is he who takes responsibility for the decision, rather it being a shared verdict from the club. Greenwood last played for United on January 22 2022 in a 1-0 win over West Ham but remained on full pay.
Charges of attempted rape and assault against the 21-year-old former England international were dropped on 2 February 2023 but a reputation crisis had been erupting after reports last week that United were preparing to retain the player.