Mason Greenwood, a Manchester United footballer, has had all charges against him dropped.
Greenwood will not face trial, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed to Sky News.
So, what comes next? Manchester United issued a statement after pausing to digest the news, confirming that the club is not rushing into any decisions.
“Manchester United notes the Crown Prosecution Service’s decision that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped,” it said. The club will now conduct its own investigation before deciding on the next steps. We will not comment further until that process is completed.”
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Keep him away from Manchester United in the short term.
There are several ways to interpret this news. From a football standpoint, this is the last thing Erik ten Hag’s team needs right now.
United have been rebuilding after a difficult year, and Erik ten Hag appears to have put the club back on track.
Amid a crucial month, with Europa League matches against Barcelona and a Carabao Cup final, the Mason Greenwood situation risks becoming a serious distraction.
Greenwood has not played football for 12 months, or even trained. He will be no help to the club on the pitch – even if his return was approved by club executives.
Keep him away from Manchester United in the short term.
There are several ways to interpret this news. From a football standpoint, this is the last thing Erik ten Hag’s team needs right now.
United have been rebuilding after a difficult year, and Erik ten Hag appears to have put the club back on track.
The Mason Greenwood situation risks becoming a major distraction during a crucial month that includes Europa League matches against Barcelona and a Carabao Cup final.
Greenwood hasn’t played or trained in football in over a year. Even if his return is approved by club executives, he will be no help to the club on the field.
United must keep Mason Greenwood away from the club for the time being, with no decision made until the end of the season. This is a period of reflection.
This appears to be United’s strategy. According to BBC Sport’s Simon Stone, United are evaluating and conducting their own investigation, with no timetable in place. Mason Greenwood will not be able to play or train until this is finished.”
Longer term: Making a decision is fraught with danger.
Greenwood has been cleared of all charges in the eyes of the law, but he still faces the trial of public opinion.
Manchester United supporters adored the ‘academy kid come good’ as he rose through the ranks. His reputation will never fully recover, right or wrong.
There are also concerns about his on-field ability. This, which was once considered a special talent, cannot be taken for granted any longer. Is he worth the trouble of keeping?
What effect will a year away from the game have on him? Could the 21-year-old cope mentally and deal with the reactions of fans at home and away if he were to play?
However, his remarkable achievements prior to his arrest may cause United to reconsider permanently evicting him and prompt the club to give him a second chance. United’s greatest fear is that he will join a rival club.
If United decides to terminate his contract, Greenwood may file a legal challenge. And if the club decides to play him, there could be a massive backlash, and not just from fans.
Sponsors and women’s groups may be wary of United reintroducing Greenwood. It could become a PR nightmare for the club, as well as a headache for new owners to deal with.
But this is clearly not a situation that United can afford to let play out in the middle of the season, jeopardizing Erik ten Hag’s and his players’ efforts.
Right now, the easy decision is to keep Greenwood suspended and ensure that any reintegration or release occurs in the summer.
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