MASON GREENWOOD: AN ARCHITECT OF HIS OWN MISFORTUNE

It is apparent Mason Greenwood's days at Manchester United are over since the publication of the recorded expletive conversation that culminated into the assault went viral.

Mason Greenwood, a talented player with a prospective future ahead of him, was charged late in 2022 with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. That led to his arrest. Following the apprehension, Nike ended its sponsorship deal with the player, and Electronic Arts removed him from active squads in its FIFA 22 game. Those were clear signals that the player was losing his reputation.

In the broader context of societal values, it can be argued that no ethical and morally conscious society should take rape and assault lightly, regardless of race or ethnicity. Generally, the issue of sexual assault and misconduct is viewed seriously by societies worldwide, and this extends to English and Caucasian communities.

The allegations against Greenwood were ultimately dropped, after the Crown Prosecution Service said key witnesses had withdrawn and new material had come to light, meaning there was "no longer a realistic prospect of conviction".

Manchester went on with an internal investigation, and a club statement today revealed that Greenwood will leave the club by mutual agreement. United fans worldwide have anticipated that Greenwood will be reinstated to help the club, which began the season in unfashionable circumstances. It is glaring that the 21-year-old homegrown forward is better than the current forwards, but the club has to take this hard decision in order to safeguard its reputation. The club also has to avoid backlash, especially from feminists and human rights advocates.

In the final analysis, I am in support of Manchester United’s decision. According to a popular Hausa aphorism, ‘Idan ba rami me ya kawo rami" (literally "there’s no smoke without fire"). The case against Mason Greewood, just like that of former Manchester City player Benjamin Mendy, was dismissed by the courts, but you cannot rule out an inkling of wrongdoing by the alleged offender. United will not want what transpired in Lorient over the weekend rekindled in Old Trafford or elsewhere in England. Mendy was booed by fans brandishing banners saying "no rapist in our stadium".

In whatever contest you choose to conclude on this, Mason Greenwood, in my opinion, is the architect of his own misfortune. He might go on to play elsewhere, but I doubt if he could revive his hitherto promising career.