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Mason Greenwood to leave Man Utd after club investigation

Published

1 year ago

August 21, 2023

Mason Greenwood and Manchester United have mutually agreed that he will leave the club after a six-month investigation into his conduct.

United launched a probe into the circumstances around Greenwood’s arrest on suspicion of rape and assault after criminal charges against the footballer were dropped in February.

Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 after images and an audio file were circulated online.

In a statement issued on Monday, United said that they 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” but announced that the 21-year-old will be leaving Old Trafford.

Sources have told ESPN that Greenwood’s contract, which runs until 2025, has not been terminated, but he is not expected to play for the club again. United will consider loan offers as well as a permanent move away, sources said.

The statement issued by United read: “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing 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.”

In a separate statement, Greenwood, who has been suspended from training and matches since his initial arrest, said he “did not do the things I was accused of” but accepted that the decision to leave United was “best for us all.”

Mason Greenwood is now set to depart Manchester United. Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Sources told ESPN that he will remain on full pay while the club work to secure him a new club but he will not be allowed to train at Carrington, even on an individual programme away from Erik ten Hag’s first-team squad.

His statement read: “I fully accept I made mistakes in my relationship, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.

“Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me. The best decision for us all, is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club.”

Alongside the statements issued by United and Greenwood, United CEO Richard Arnold — who made the final decision that Greenwood should leave the club — sent an open letter to supporters to be “transparent with our fans about the process and the reasons for our decision.”

Arnold said that during the club’s investigation, they had been “provided with alternative explanations for the audio recording, which was a short excerpt from a much longer recording, and for the images posted online” and that the woman’s family had participated in the process.

“While I am satisfied that Mason did not commit the acts he was charged with, Mason’s accepted that he has made mistakes which he takes responsibility for,” Arnold wrote.

“I am also mindful of the challenge that Mason would face rebuilding his career and raising a baby together with his partner in the harsh spotlight of Manchester United. Further, this case has provoked strong opinions, and it is my responsibility to minimise any distraction to the unity we are seeking within the club.

“Although we have decided that Mason will seek to rebuild his career away from Manchester United, that does not signal the end of this matter. The club will continue to offer its support both to the alleged victim and Mason to help them rebuild and move forward positively with their lives.”

United’s investigation, which began once criminal proceedings were dropped, was conducted by a panel of senior executives, and their evidence was passed to Arnold.

Sources told ESPN that, based on the findings, the club do not believe Greenwood physically abused the woman and, based on conversations with the woman’s mother, do not believe he was guilty of coercive behaviour.

According to sources, the woman did not engage with the club directly but was given the opportunity to correct any findings.

Sources told ESPN that the woman withdrew her allegations and her support of the police investigation in April 2022.

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Ambrose Ijeh

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Rodrigo Bentancur Banned For Seven Games Over Racial Slur

Published

9 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Ambrose Ijeh

Rodrigo Bentancur Banned For Seven Games Over Racial Slur

Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been given a seven-match domestic ban by the Football Association for using a racial slur about team-mate Son Heung-min.

Bentancur, who has also been fined £100,000 and ordered to take part in a mandatory face-to-face education programme, was charged by the FA in September after comments made while appearing on TV in his home country of Uruguay in June.

“Rodrigo Bentancur denied this charge, but the independent regulatory commission found it to be proven and imposed his sanctions following a hearing,” said an FA statement.

The 27-year-old will not return to domestic action until 26 December, missing Premier League matches against Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea, among others, plus Spurs’ League Cup quarter-final against Manchester United.

He will still be available for Tottenham’s Europa League matches.

Bentancur has played 15 times for Tottenham this season and scored his first goal of the campaign in a defeat by Ipswich on 11 November.

The incident happened in his own time and so, as he plays in England, fell under the jurisdiction of the FA – unlike the situation involving Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

Fernandez was on international duty when he posted a video – which the French Football Federation (FFF) said included an alleged “racist and discriminatory” chant – of Argentina celebrating winning the Copa America, and is being investigated by world governing body Fifa.

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At 31, Harry Kane Keen To Play Beyond 2026 World Cup For England

Published

10 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Ambrose Ijeh

At 31, Harry Kane Keen To Play Beyond 2026 World Cup For England

England captain Harry Kane says the 2026 Fifa World Cup may not be his last international tournament.

The 31-year-old’s future remains uncertain, despite extending his all-time scoring record to 69 goals in 103 appearances for his country when he scored the opener in the 5-0 win against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.

England interim manager Lee Carsley benched Kane for the 3-0 victory in Greece on Thursday, while he was criticised for his performances at Euro 2024.

But when asked if the next World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, would be his last shot at glory with England, the Bayern Munich striker told PA: “I don’t think so.

“I think there’s a perception when you get to your 30s that you’re coming to an end, but for me I’m performing at the highest level I’ve ever performed and feel as good as I’ve ever felt, so it’s about taking in the moment.

“I don’t like to look too far ahead and in my career, I never have, the [2026] World Cup is going to be exciting.

“In America it will be an incredible occasion and ultimately it’s about trying to win that, looking at where you are, where to improve and it will be no different in a couple of years.”

Kane was speaking at the unveiling of a statue and a mural of him at the Peter May Sports Centre in east London, where he began playing as a five-year-old for Ridgeway Rovers.

“It’s pretty special to be honest,” Kane told BBC Newsround.

“I played on these pitches as a five-year-old with dreams of playing for England, and I’ve been lucky enough to achieve that.

“Hopefully the boys and girls will walk past and be inspired by the story of my journey, my life and hard work.”

When asked what it would take to get a statue of him at Wembley Stadium, he added: “I think we need to win a major tournament.”

England will look to do that under Thomas Tuchel, who will begin his 18-month contract as manager on 1 January after Carsley’s temporary spell.

Kane played under Tuchel at Bayern last season and is confident the German can end the Three Lions’ trophy drought.

“He’s a fantastic coach and a really good guy as well,” he said. “I’m excited to work with him again.

“I know he’ll bring bundles of energy, and come March we’ll be focused on America and the World Cup, and that’s an exciting prospect to look forward to.”

England will find out their World Cup qualifying opponents on 13 December, with the first games scheduled to take place in March.

BBC

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(PHOTOS) England Star Trent Alexander-Arnold Dating Stunning Instagram Model Months After Split from Ex

Published

17 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Ambrose Ijeh

Real Madrid are reported to have made concrete steps in their push to sign Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

England right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold is dating an Instagram model months after his split from Jude Law’s daughter.

The Liverpool star has even whisked 23-year-old influencer Estelle Behnke on a £6,000-a-night getaway.

They were seen together days ago as they enjoyed a 2½-hour meal at celeb haunt Cibo in Hale, Cheshire.

Earlier in the day, the £180,000-per-week footballer was seen visiting Christmas markets in Manchester’s city centre.

Trent, 26, had been called up to the England squad for the latest Nations League matches, but withdrew on Monday due to injury.

Footballer Trent Alexander-Arnold and Estlle Behnke were seen together at celeb haunt Cibo in Hale, CheshireCredit: mancpicss66

Last month, he and Estelle took a romantic trip to the five-star Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds.

Eagle-eyed fans noticed the pair had tagged themselves in separate posts from the private members’ club.

A source told The Sun: “It’s very early days but they are officially dating — they seem really into each other. Trent hasn’t been single long and is enjoying spending time with Estelle.

“They’re just really enjoying each other’s company and seem quite smitten.”

Estelle on her InstagramCredit: instagram/Estelle Behnke

Trent started liking Estelle’s Instagram posts from her jet-set lifestyle on October 17, a month after his split from model and actress Iris Law — the daughter of Jude and actress Sadie Frost.

They had dated for five months after meeting on a Guess Jeans photoshoot.

A pal insisted there is “no bad blood” between Iris and Real Madrid target Trent, but added: “Being a Wag was never really going to be her bag.”

TheSun UK