‘Right decision but getting there has been pretty horrible’: Man Utd slammed over Mason Greenwood process by Gary Neville

Former United defender and club legend Gary Neville has raised questions over the process followed by United in the entire episode.

Greenwood was charged with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in October 2022.

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Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood is set to leave Old Trafford, after the Premier League club released a statement on Monday. This was even after Greenwood was cleared of allegations of assault and attempted rape.

“Based on the evidence available to us, 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,” the club said in a statement.

But it said “all those involved, including Mason” recognised the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.

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“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,” it said.

However, former United defender and club legend Gary Neville has raised questions over the process followed by United in the entire episode.

Stating that the Red Devils have made the “right decision” on Greenwood, Neville said: “Yes, they have made the right decision and finally got there. However, the process of getting there has been pretty horrible.

“Manchester United, when you have significant situations and difficult situations like this, you need strong and authoritative leadership, and Manchester United don’t have that. On an issue like domestic abuse and violence against women, it brings me to third point that there needs to be an independent review, it should not be that Manchester United are the judge and jury on a significant situation, not only for themselves, but also for the game,” Neville said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football broadcast.

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“People talk about the representation of Manchester United, but it’s the Premier League as well. My view is on issues of this importance and severity, they should be dealt with independently because it’s clear that Manchester United have not had the skill and ability to deal with this situation – it’s been well above their experience and ability,” he added.