English football pundit and former player Gary Neville has slammed the manner in which Manchester United handled the case of their footballer Mason Greenwood.
Greenwood, who was suspended by United in January 2022 when accusations against him surfaced on social media, was charged with attempted rape, controlling behaviour and assault last October.
However, United announced on Monday that Greenwood will leave the club by mutual agreement.
“They’ve finally got there. It was clear from day one, for me and anybody who saw the evidence that was initially released, that he wouldn’t play for Manchester United again,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“I would say that the process in getting there has been pretty horrible. When you have significant and difficult situations like this, it requires an authoritative leadership, that comes the very top and Manchester United don’t have that.
“On an issue like domestic abuse and violence against women, there needs to be independence. It shouldn’t be that Manchester United are the judge and jury on such a significant issue, not just for themselves but also for the game.
“People talk about the reputation [hit] to Manchester United but it’s the Premier League here as well.
“My view is on issues of this importance and severity [is] they should be dealt with independently by a panel because it’s been clear that Manchester United have not had the skill and the ability to deal with this situation properly. It’s been well above their grade of experience and ability.”
Last week, United faced criticism after it was reported that chief executive Richard Arnold told the club’s executive leadership in early August that United were planning to bring Greenwood back in the fold.
United had also conducted an internal investigation after charges against Greenwood, including attempted rape and assault, were discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service in February this year.
"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 of which he was originally charged," the club said in a statement.
But it said "all those involved, including Mason" recognised the difficulties with him restarting his career at Manchester United.
"It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome," it said.