Gary Neville has criticised Manchester United's "pretty horrible" handling of their investigation into Mason Greenwood's conduct.

The Red Devils confirmed on Monday that the 21-year-old will be leaving the club by mutual agreement, having been the subject of an internal six-month investigation.

United stopped short of releasing Greenwood from his contract, which has two years left to run, and will now consider whether or not to try and engineer a full sale or loan away from the club.

"It was clear from day one that he wouldn't play for Manchester United again," Neville, who spent 19 years at Old Trafford as a first-team player, told Sky Sports' Monday Night Football.

"The process in getting there has been pretty horrible. When you have significant situations, and difficult situations like this, it requires strong authoritative leadership. And that comes from the very top. Manchester United don't have that."

United's decision to move on from Greenwood followed a huge backlash from supporters, charities, MPs and others into a proposed reintegration, which would have brought him back into the first-team fold for the first time since January 2022.

He was suspended from the club at that time when he was accused of attempted rape and assault, with formal charges levelled by Greater Manchester Police in October that year. The case was subsequently dropped against Greenwood when the Crown Prosecution Service indicated that new evidence and withdrawal of key witnesses meant there was "no longer a realistic prospect of conviction".

Manager Erik ten Hag has remained tight-lipped about Greenwood's future throughout the summer, with the length of United's investigation seeing the Dutchman quizzed time and time again.

United's decision has already alerted the interest of a number of clubs who see Greenwood as a viable signing. 90min understands that Roma, managed by Jose Mourinho, are one of a handful of Serie A clubs who are considering their options, while there's also interest emanating from Germany, Spain, Turkey and the Saudi Pro League.

Manchester United's statement in full

"Manchester United has concluded its internal investigation into the allegations made against Mason Greenwood," a club statement read.

"Our process commenced in February 2023, following all charges against Mason being dropped. Throughout, we have taken into account the wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible. This has required us to proceed with sensitivity and care to obtain evidence not in the public domain, including from those with direct knowledge of the case.

"Based on the evidence available to us, we 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.

"That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for. 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."

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This article was originally published on 90min as Gary Neville criticises Man Utd's handling of Mason Greenwood investigation.