I’m a super Man Utd fan – the club made the right decision to ax Mason Greenwood… but now they face a much bigger problem

A MANCHESTER United superfan has claimed the club made the right decision to ax Mason Greenwood.

The Prem Giants announced today that the 21-year-old forward will not return to Old Trafford following his suspension.

3

3

In a statement released this afternoon, Man Utd confirmed the investigation into Greenwood was over.

However, they have not revealed what the forward’s future holds – including whether his £75,000-a-week contract will be terminated or whether he will go on loan or be sold.

Now Man Utd fan and journalist Tom McDermott has commented on the unrest surrounding the Premier League star.

He said: “Manchester United have started the process that will result in them parting ways with Mason Greenwood – and it is absolutely the right decision. The only decision.”

“We can talk all day about Greenwood’s immense talent. In fact, I have written articles on this platform praising his excellence.”

“But Greenwood the footballer is different from Greenwood the person and he has, as he admits in his personal statement, made mistakes.”

And he added that the talented youngster’s return would have caused a lot of backlash and problems that the club didn’t need.

McDermott continued, “If Greenwood had returned, he would have been the story. He was criticized from the ranks by some of his own fans, not to mention the opposition. It was a huge problem that United and manager Erik ten Hag didn’t need.”

“I myself have been criticized on social media for saying I would not be attending the match if Greenwood were reintegrated into the squad, but the content we saw/heard was such that I felt uneasy would have felt supporting someone from the stands who…” was able to do so.

Greenwood’s fate remained uncertain after he was suspended by Utd amid his charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control – even after the case was dropped.

The forward last kicked a ball for United 19 months ago, in January 2022.

However, loyal fan Tom was still critical of how the club handled the situation.

He continued: “United’s handling of the situation was also in question.”

“It seemed like they were ready to welcome him back in some form but fortunately morale is more important than football talent and finances.”

“I hope United release him with a further statement in the coming months. No doubt he will get some kind of compensation but I would hate to see United getting money for him through sale or loan.”

“Greenwood’s rehabilitation period will continue and it remains to be seen how he will continue.”

“Some lessons have also been learned for United. Last week’s declaration probably sped up the process, but it was a messy process from start to finish.”

“That is the correct conclusion. But it’s a sad ending for United and Greenwood.”

Tom regularly posts all the latest Utd news under his username @mrtommcdermott.

Full statements from the club and Mason

Manchester United said: “Manchester United have completed their internal investigation into the allegations against Mason Greenwood. Our trial began in February 2023 after all charges against Mason were dropped.”

“We have always considered the wishes, rights and perspectives of the alleged victim, as well as the club’s standards and values, and tried to compile as much information and context as possible.”

“This required us to exercise sensitivity and diligence to obtain evidence that is not in the public domain, including from those with direct knowledge of the case.”

“Based on the evidence we have, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide the full picture and that Mason did not commit the crimes with which he was originally charged.

“Yet Mason publicly admitted today that he made mistakes for which he takes responsibility. Everyone involved, including Mason, is aware of the difficulties he faces in resuming his Manchester United career. It has therefore been mutually agreed that this will be the case. “It is best for him to do this away from Old Trafford and we will now work with Mason to achieve that result.”

Mason Greenwood added: “I want to start by saying that I understand that people are judging me based on what they’ve seen and heard on social media and I know people will be thinking the worst. I was brought up knowing that violence or abuse is something.” Wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of doing and in February I was cleared of all charges.

“However, I fully accept that I made mistakes and take my share of responsibility for the situations that led to the social media post. I’m learning to understand my responsibility to set a good example as a professional footballer and I’m focused on the great responsibility of being a father and being a good partner.

“Today’s decision was part of a joint process between Manchester United, my family and myself. The best decision for all of us is that I continue my football career outside of 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 unites United. I am enormously grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support and now it’s my turn to repay the trust that those around me have shown.

“I want to be a better footballer, but most of all I want to be a good father and a better person and use my talents positively on and off the pitch.”

3