Mason Greenwood leaving Manchester United a relief to many, says Women’s Aid

Footballer Mason Greenwood’s departure from Manchester United will be a relief for many survivors of abuse, a charity tackling domestic violence has said.

Greenwood, 21, had been suspended by the club for most of this year, over allegations relating to a young woman, after images and videos were posted online.

In February charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, all involving the same complainant, were dropped, with the footballer at the time saying he was “relieved that this matter is now over”.

After a months-long internal investigation into the allegations made against him, Manchester United announced on Monday that it had mutually agreed with the player that he would leave the club.

Manchester United said while it had concluded the player “did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged”, it recognised “the difficulties with him recommencing his career” at the club.

The decision followed controversy last week when it was reported that United,  a club Greenwood joined aged just seven, were planning to bring the player back.

Countdown star Rachel Riley said she would not be able to continue supporting the club if Greenwood was allowed to remain playing there.

In his own statement on Monday, Greenwood repeated that he had not done “the things I was accused of” but accepted he had “made mistakes” and took “my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post”.

The charity Women’s Aid said many would feel relieved at Greenwood’s departure, and called for more to be done early on to tackle attitudes to abuse, including in football.

A spokeswoman for the organisation said: “We know that today’s news from