What next for Mason Greenwood?

Mason Greenwood will not relaunch his career as a professional footballer at Manchester United, as revealed by the club after much speculation.

The one-cap England international has not played for the Premier League side since January 2022, shortly before he was arrested. Greenwood was ultimately charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

All charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in February 2023 but Manchester United launched their own internal investigation while the player remained suspended. At the conclusion of the club's five-month appraisal, Greenwood and Manchester United "mutually agreed" that it was best for the 21-year-old to recommence his career away from Old Trafford.

Here's everything you need to know about a complex case and what lies ahead for Greenwood.

What was Mason Greenwood accussed of?

On 30 January 2022, Greenwood was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault. Greater Manchester Police revealed that they had seen "social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence".

Manchester United initially avoided using the word "suspended" as players are only legally allowed to be sidelined for two weeks while a disciplinary process is undertaken, but confirmed that Greenwood would not take part in training or matches "until further notice".

On 1 February 2022, Greenwood was further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and making threats to kill. Greater Manchester Police were given an extension to hold Greenwood in custody until 2 February 2022 while a spokesman for the police said a woman was being "offered specialist support".

Upon the announcement of his further arrest, the player was removed from all of EA Sports’ FIFA products, Greenwood jerseys were no longer available to purchase on Manchester United's online shop and Nike released a statement revealing that they were "deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations". A week later, the sportswear giant declared: "Mason Greenwood is no longer a Nike athlete." Once the charges were dropped a year later, Nike confirmed that Greenwood was still no longer a sponsored athlete.

After at least two bail breaches, Greenwood was officially charged with "attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm" on 15 October 2022. Janet Potter, the deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS North West confirmed: "All three counts relate to the same complainant."

At his first court appearance after two nights in a prison cell, Greenwood was accused of monitoring the complainant’s social media accounts and "making threats and derogatory comments towards her, amounting to a serious effect upon her" by the prosecuting Rebecca Macaulay-Addison.

The alleged rape took place on 22 October 2021 while the accusations of assault occasioning actual bodily harm related to an incident in December 2021.

Why were the charges against Mason Greenwood dropped?

In a court appearance on 21 November 2022 which lasted for less than ten minutes, a trial date for 27 November 2023 was set, as well as a case management hearing for 10 February 2023.

Greenwood denies all the accusations but no pleas to the charges were entered in November 2022.

Before either scheduled date, CPS announced that all charges against Greenwood had been dropped on 2 February 2023. "A combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction," their statement read. "In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case."

The complainant retracted an ABE (achieving best evidence interview) which would have been used in a court of law instead of an in-person witness all the way back in April 2022, thereby withdrawing her support from the investigation.

In a statement released on Greenwood's behalf, the 21-year-old said: "I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support."

Why did Mason Greenwood not start playing for Man Utd against after the charges were dropped?

The conclusion of Greenwood's legal proceedings only marked the beginning of Manchester United's in-house investigation. On the same day as the Crown Prosecution Service's announcement, Manchester United revealed: "The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps."

The investigation was led by chief executive Richard Arnold. The club would later stress: "Responsibility ultimately rests with the chief executive officer." Arnold was assisted by the club's legal counsel Patrick Stewart, communications chief Ellie Norman, football director John Murtough and the chief operating officer, Collette Roche.

Manchester United would later reveal that the fact-finding mission had "drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain, and we have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case". This included interviews with Greenwood and the complainant's mother - but not the individual themselves.

What was the outcome of Man Utd's internal investigation into Mason Greenwood?

At the conclusion of the internal investigation, Manchester United declared Greenwood innocent on 21 August 2023. "Based on the evidence available to us," the club statement read, "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."

However, the club went on to state: "That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for."

Why won't Mason Greenwood return to playing for Man Utd?

Before the club's decision was finalised, The Guardian claimed that Manchester United had delayed any Greenwood announcement to consult key stakeholders and the women's team - three of whom were representing England at the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Manchester United fans displayed a banner at the club's first match of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 14 August 2023 which read: "Female Fans Demand No Greenwood Return – End Violence Against Women".

Five days after The Guardian's reveal, the club stressed that the "decision has not yet been made". However, on the same day, 16 August 2023, The Athletic reported that chief executive Richard Arnold had long since decided that Greenwood would return and had begun informing the club's hierarchy. The original proposed date of Greenwood's reintroduction was set for Friday 4 August, before the new season began.

Rumours of Greenwood’s imminent return prompted a widespread backlash, fronted by prominent TV presenter and Manchester United fan Rachel Riley who stated: "I won’t be able to support United if Greenwood remains at the club."

The Athletic reported that employees within the club were highly concerned by Greenwood’s potential resumption of first-team duties. The manager Erik ten Hag has never publicly revealed his position on the matter although the same publication claimed that he and the club's director of football, John Murtough, were "supportive and encouraging of Greenwood's return".

Ultimately, United vaguely explained: "All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career 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."

Which clubs could Mason Greenwood join after Man Utd?

It's important to stress that Greenwood has not been released from Manchester United. As has been the case throughout proceedings, Greenwood will still be paid his £75,000-per-week salary until he leaves the club. Greenwood is under contract at United until 30 June 2025 after signing an extension in February 2021.

90min understands that Serie A side Roma, managed by former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho, are one of several clubs interested in Greenwood. However, fellow Italian teams Inter and Atalanta - who were interested in Greenwood back in July - are more inclined to agree on a loan deal than a permanent sale this summer.

French side Monaco, as well as clubs in Turkey, Spain and Germany, have registered their interest. Saudi Pro League director of football Michael Emenalo is also keeping an eye on proceedings.