All charges have been dropped against Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood.
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed via Sky News that Greenwood will not stand trial.
So, what next? After a pause to take in the news, Manchester United released a statement, confirming that the club are not rushing into any decisions.
It read: “Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped. The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps. We will not make any further comment until that process is complete.”
Short-term: Keep him away from Manchester United
There are various ways to look at this news. Through a football lens, this is the last distraction Erik ten Hag‘s team need right now.
United have been rebuilding after a crisis year, and Erik ten Hag has, seemingly, finally put United on the path to success again.
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.
United need to keep Mason Greenwood away from the club right now, with no decision taken until this season is over. This is a time for reflection.
This appears to be the path United are taking. BBC Sport’s Simon Stone reports United are evaluating and carrying out their own investigation, commenting: “No timescale on process. Mason Greenwood will not play or train until this is complete.”
Longer term: Decision is a minefield
No charges stand against Greenwood in the eyes of the law, but the footballer still faces the trial of public opinion.
Manchester United fans adored the ‘academy kid come good’ when he rose through the ranks. Now his reputation will never recover fully, rightly or wrongly.
Questions too, over his on-pitch ability. Once regarded as a special talent, this cannot be taken for granted any longer. Is he worth the hassle of keeping around, if United even felt it was the right call?
How will one year away from the game affect him? If he were to play, could the 21-year-old be cope mentally, and deal with reactions from supporters, home and away?
However, his remarkable achievements before his arrest, could make United think twice about kicking him out for good, and prompt the club to give him a second chance, if the club are satisfied with the outcome of their own investigation.
The fear on United’s part might be that he pitches up at a rival club, but this might just be a risk the club have to accept, if Greenwood is viewed as a player no longer worthy of representing Manchester United
If United do want to cancel his contract, there could be a legal challenge from Greenwood. And if the club want to play him, there could be a huge outcry, and not just from supporters.
Sponsors and women’s groups could take a dim view of United reintroducing Greenwood. Do the club’s partners want to see Greenwood wearing their logos? It could become a PR nightmare for the club, and a headache for new owners to have to take on.
But this is clearly not a situation United can allow to play out mid-season, threatening the good work of Erik ten Hag and his players.
Right now there is an easy decision to keep Greenwood suspended, and ensure any re-integration, or release, takes place in the summer.
