Gary Neville has blasted Manchester United for the club’s prolonged process in deciding on Mason Greenwood’s future. On Monday, United announced that Greenwood wouldn’t continue his career at Old Trafford after completing a six-month investigation into his January 2022 arrest.
United suspended the 21-year-old that month after images and voice recordings alleging physical assaults emerged online.
In October of that year, Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour.
The United No 11 has always denied all allegations, and in February this year, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges against him.
After a thorough probe, United have announced they are satisfied that Greenwood didn’t commit the alleged physical assault, but he has mutually agreed to resume his career elsewhere.
And ahead of Arsenal’s trip to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, Neville publicised his thoughts on the saga.
“Yes, they have made the right decision and finally got there,” Neville told Sky Sports at the start of Monday Night Football.
“I think it was clear from day one for me and everyone else that saw that evidence [images and voice recording] that was initially released that he would not play for Manchester United again. 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 the 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.
“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.”
Greenwood remains contracted to United after the club reportedly weren’t convinced there were grounds to terminate his current £75,000-a-week deal, which runs until 2025.
And it’s unclear whether the Red Devils will look to reach a settlement over the remainder of his contract, loan Greenwood out for a season, or look to sell him before the summer transfer deadline.
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