Mason Greenwood’s future at Manchester United will be decided by chief executive Richard Arnold, the club has declared, and fans have been asked to be patient as they wait for an update.

Since the beginning of February, United has been talking with a wide range of interested parties. The club has been criticized for how long the investigation has taken, but a statement released on Wednesday said they were nearing the end of the process.

As several of United’s players were still competing in the Wоmen’s World Cup, they needed more time to weigh in on the decision. England will play in the championship game on Sunday in Sydney, and players like Mary Earps, Ella Toone, and Katie Zelem will be there. This suggests that word of a decision may come as soon as next week.

Arnold, as head of an executive group that also comprised United’s chief operating officer, Collette Roche, and their director of law, Patrick Stewart, made the decision on the family’s behalf. The team considered comparable incidents from the worlds of sports, news, music, media, and entertainment as part of its inquiry.

“Responsibility ultimately rests with the chief executive officer,” United said in its statement. All of the club’s internal and external stakeholders will be informed of the final decision and given an explanation for it.

Manchester United has done a comprehensive examination into the claims made against Mason Greenwood following the dismissal of all charges against him in February 2023. Extensive evidence and background information not previously available to the public have been used, and various individuals with first-hand experience or insight into the matter have been interviewed.

The club’s inquiries have always been guided by concern for the alleged victim’s well-being and point of view, and the club recognizes and supports her right to permanent anonymity. As Mason’s employer, as a young man who has been with the club since he was seven years old, and as a new father with a partner, we have duties to him as well.

The investigation’s fact-finding phase is over, and a final decision on Mason’s future is being deliberated. That choice, according to media reports, is still being heavily debated within the organization.

Everyone connected to Manchester United has found this situation trying, and we can appreciate the passionate responses to the limited information available. Please be patient with us as we complete the final steps of this thoughtful procedure.

The club has the option to extend the 21-year-old’s contract by a year past its current expiration date in 2025. He has not played for United since January 2022.