Manchester United are facing a potential exodus of staff after alleged ‘disillusionment’ over the club’s handling of the Mason Greenwood and Antony cases, a new report has claimed.Greenwood was the subject of an internal investigation into his behaviour by United earlier this year.The forward was arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of rape and assault, and subsequently charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm last October.After his arrest, the charges were discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in February, who stated that 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’.
The internal investigation concluded that Greenwood would continue his career away from Old Trafford, a decision reached by mutual consent. He subsequently signed for La Liga side Getafe on loan on transfer deadline day.Prior to the announcement of United’s decision, The Athletic claimed that United would bring Greenwood back into the first team, and club CEO Richard Arnold would record a video to explain the reasoning behind their decision.United insisted that, at that point, a final decision over Greenwood had not yet been reached.
Antony, meanwhile, is being investigated by Greater Manchester Police over domestic abuse allegations made by his ex-girlfriend. The winger has repeatedly denied the allegations.In a club statement last month, United confirmed that they had agreed Antony would be given a period of leave, on full pay, following the international break ‘in order to address the allegations’.The Brazilian has since returned to training and competitive matches for Erik ten Hag’s side.In a separate statement, United said: “As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed.
“This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case.”Now, the Daily Mail claim that staff at United have ‘actively sought new employment’ after ‘disillusionment’ with how the club has handled both cases.They allege that, as per sources, a number of staff are at ‘a very low ebb’ as a result, and they that consider there has been ‘mis-management’ of both cases.The Mail also add that Arnold led an all-staff meeting last month, where he was ‘grilled extensively’ over how the club handled the Greenwood and Antony situations.
Sources insist there is yet to be a ‘spike’ in staff exits following both cases.
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