Gary Neville feels Man Utd’s hierarchy lack ‘strong and authoritative leadership’ (Picture: Getty)
Gary Neville has slammed the Manchester United hierarchy for their ‘pretty horrible’ decision process over Mason Greenwood’s future.
Greenwood’s United career is over after the club and the player decided to mutually agree to end his time at Old Trafford on Monday.
The 21-year-old has been suspended by United since January 2022 after he was arrested and subsequently charged by Manchester Police with attempted rape, controlling behaviour and assault.
All charges against Greenwood were dropped in February, with the Crown Prosecution Service stating that ‘in this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction’.
Since then, United have conducted their own internal investigation over Greenwood and reports last week had claimed that the club were preparing to reintegrate the forward to Erik ten Hag’s squad.
But it was confirmed on Monday that Greenwood would leave United as CEO Richard Arnold penned an open letter to Red Devils fans.
Former United defender Neville was asked if his old club had reached the right decision and said on Sky Sports: ‘Yes, they have. They finally got there.
‘It was clear from day one that he would not play for Manchester United again. They have got there, but their process has been pretty horrible.
‘I think with Manchester United… When you have significant, difficult decisions it requires strong and authoritative leadership and that comes from the very top.
‘Manchester United don’t have that. On an issue like domestic abuse and violence against women, there needs to be independence.
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‘It shouldn’t be that Manchester United are the judge and jury on such a significant issue – not just for themselves – but for the whole game.
‘People talk of [it] affecting the reputation of Manchester United, but it is the Premier League as well. My view is that on issues of this importance and severity, they should be dealt with independently by a panel.
It has been clear that Manchester United have not had the skill and ability to deal with this situation properly. It’s been well above their grade of experience and ability.’
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He feels Man Utd lack ‘strong and authoritative leadership’.