Following a six-month internal investigation by Manchester United, Mason Greenwood is leaving the team. The team stated that it had been mutually decided that “it would be most appropriate” for him to resume his career outside of Old Trafford and “we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome”.

United started that procedure after allegations of attempted rape, coercive behavior, and assault causing actual bodily damage against Greenwood were withdrawn. The forward, who is under contract until 2025, had refuted every accusation.

In a statement, United said: “We have considered the wishes, rights, and viewpoint of the claimed victim as well as the club’s principles and values, and have tried to gather as much information and context as possible. Due to this, we have had to act delicately and carefully in order to get information that is not in the public domain, especially from those who have firsthand knowledge of the case.

‘Based on the data at our disposal, we have come to the conclusion that the internet content did not present a complete picture and that Mason did not conduct the offenses for which he was first charged. Having said that, Mason has made mistakes that he is accepting responsibility for, as he has said publicly today.

“Everyone involved, including Mason, is aware of the challenges he faces in starting over at Manchester United. Therefore, it has been decided that it would be best for him to do so outside of Old Trafford, and we will now cooperate with Mason to make that happen.

The 21-year-old hasn’t appeared for United since a 1-0 victory over West Ham at Old Trafford on January 22, 2022. He was detained in that month, and the charges were filed in October of that same year. Key witnesses withdrew their cooperation from the inquiry, according to the Crown Prosecution Service, which declared that there was “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction” when the charges were dismissed.