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In February, the Crown Prosecution Service announced that it had dropped an investigation into allegations of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The England international has always denied the allegations.
United announced this week that Greenwood will not play for the club again and that he should rebuild his career away from Old Trafford. They will attempt to secure him a transfer, whether a permanent or loan deal.
But the Premier League side have been told to give any fee they receive to a domestic abuse charity. Natalie Curtis, a domestic abuse survivor, has said it would not be right for anyone to profit from the situation.
She told the Telegraph: “It seems wrong that anyone should profit from the Mason Greenwood situation that has been horrific for survivors.
“If anything, if there is a transfer fee, it should be donated to a domestic abuse charity such as Women’s Aid.”
In addition, Gerry Sutcliffe, who served as prisons minister under Gordon Brown and sports minister under Tony Blair, echoed the view. Sutcliffe, who was born in Salford, said: “I think it is the right club decision on Greenwood. I have some sympathy for Greenwood as a former prisons minister who believes in rehabilitation.
“The club is likely to have a buy-back clause or add-ons if he can recover his form – so yes, any initial fee should go to domestic violence charities.”
United have not said whether they will command a fee for Greenwood if he leaves on a permanent transfer. It is understood that discussions remain ongoing over a destination for the 21-year-old.
In a statement, the club said: “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.”
United CEO Richard Arnold, writing in a lengthy open letter to supporters, added: “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.”
