Gary Neville has come out in a rare moment of criticism for his former club Manchester United over its handling of the Mason Greenwood investigation.
Greenwood, who has been acquitted in court of charges of attempted rape and assault, is set to leave the club by mutual agreement after a six-month internal investigation.
Neville told Sky Sports last night that the club’s handling of the Greenwood situation had been “pretty horrible” and lacked strong leadership.
“It was clear from day one that he wouldn’t play for Manchester United again,” said the defender turned Manchester businessman and philanthropist.
“The process in getting there has been pretty horrible. When you have significant situations, and difficult situations like this, it requires strong authoritative leadership. And that comes from the very top. Manchester United don’t have that.”
England international Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 following allegations surrounding material which was published online.
In a statement, Greenwood accepted he had “made mistakes” and took his “share of responsibility”, but added: “I did not do the things I was accused of.”
United have since held their own investigation into the player, and said: “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.”
“All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.”
An announcement of the investigation’s results was expected before United’s opening Premier League game of the season against Wolves on 14 August, but the decision was delayed amid fierce debate about Greenwood’s potential reintegration at Old Trafford, in part because the club said it wanted to consult with their women’s team, some of whom were part of England’s World Cup squad playing in Australia, before announcing a decision about Greenwood’s future.
Countdown host Rachel Riley was among those to speak out over the Greenwood situation before the club, and associated brand, made its decision on the player’s future. The polymathe announced last week that she would stop supporting United should Greenwood continue to wear the shirt.
