Mason Greenwood and Manchester United have announced that the forward will leave the club by mutual agreement.

The decision comes after a 6 month internal review by United, after charges against Greenwood of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm were dropped in February 2023.

The 21-year-old was arrested in January 2022 and in October of that year the charges were brought. 

The once England international has two years left on his contract, with a club option of a further 12 months.

United said in a statement: “We have taken into account the wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible. This has required us to proceed with sensitivity and care to obtain evidence not in the public domain, including from those with direct knowledge of the case.

Releasing his own statement, Greenwood who has always denied any criminal charges said, “Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me. The best decision for us all is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club. I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me which is United.

“I am enormously grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support, and it is now for me to repay the trust those around me have shown. I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.”