Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, shied away from talking about Mason Greenwood while fielding questions from the media at a press conference.
The team revealed on Monday that Greenwood will leave by mutual consent after an internal probe.
The 21-year-old England striker was detained in January 2022, but on February 2, 2023, allegations of attempted rape and violence were withdrawn.
Ten Hag stated that “players who are available” are his main concern.
Ten Hag stated: “We are not where we want to be with our team” prior to Saturday’s Premier League matchup between United and Nottingham Forest. I’ve got a ton of work. My team is very important to me, so I pay attention to the guys who are available.
Ten Hag emphasized that his goal is the “current squad and the players who are available” when asked if he had spoken to Greenwood directly after the conclusion of United’s investigation into his behavior.
Greenwood was detained last year after suspicions involving online content.
This Thursday, United released a statement announcing Greenwood’s termination, saying: “Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect to which he was originally charged.”
Greenwood acknowledged “making mistakes” and taking “share of responsibility” in a statement, but he also said: “I did not do the things I was accused of.”
When it came to the decision to part ways with Mason Greenwood, TV host and Manchester United supporter Rachel Riley accused the team of “gaslighting” and “green lighting” abuse.
In a podcast interview with The News Agents, Riley stated: “I think it’s gaslighting for people to have two statements saying, Mason Greenwood himself saying he’s been cleared of all charges – which is not the case, the claims were dropped because the key witness dropped out – and they [United] claim new evidence.”
This overreaching statement will give abusers more wind in their sails and convey to victims the idea that reporting alleged abuse is more bother than it’s worth, she continued, accusing the club of “green lighting” abuse on social media. It makes me quite sad to see how my club supports this culture.
