Dipo Olowookere
By Dipo Olowookere
The chief executive of Manchester United Football Club, Mr Richard Arnold, will take the final decision of the return of the club’s striker, Mason Greenwood, to the squad this season.
This information was revealed in a statement issued by the club on Wednesday afternoon.
In an update on its investigation into the allegations of domestic violence against the England striker, the club said the final decision was yet to be taken.
Recall that in February 2023, all the charges against the young footballer were dropped by the police. He later welcomed a child with his partner, who earlier accused him of abuse.
Manchester United later said it would probe the matter and make its decision known to the public this month.
There had been speculations that he would return to the team, which is in a dire need of a potent goal-poacher. This sparked reactions across the globe, especially in England, with four female fans staging a protest to kick against the potential return of Greenwood to the squad.
In the statement issued today, the club said it extensively looked into the allegations and that it was in the final stages of its “fact-finding phase of our investigation.”
“Following the dropping of all charges against Mason Greenwood in February 2023, Manchester United has conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations made against him.
“This has 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.
“Throughout this process, the welfare and perspective of the alleged victim have been central to the club’s inquiries, and we respect her right to lifelong anonymity.
“We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner.
“The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future.
“Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation. Responsibility ultimately rests with the Chief Executive Officer.
“Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders.
“This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain. We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process,” the statement said.
