Gary Neville says Manchester United’s handling of the Mason Greenwood investigation has been “pretty horrible” and lacked strong leadership.
Greenwood, 21, will leave the club by mutual agreement after a six-month internal investigation.
It came after charges against the player, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped in February.
“It was clear from day one that he wouldn’t play for Manchester United again,” said former defender Neville.
Speaking on Sky Sports Monday Night Football, Neville, 48, who made 602 appearances for United, added: “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.”
Fellow pundit and former England midfielder Karen Carney said the matter was “handled poorly” and it was a “really uneasy situation for me”.
Carney, 36, who chaired a major review into the women’s game, added: “I think Manchester United as an institution, as a football club and what it stands for, has handled this really, really poorly.
“I think from statements, that have been confusing and conflicting to everybody. From leaks. From involving stakeholders unnecessarily, i.e. female players, our Lionesses.”
England international Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 following allegations surrounding material that was published online.
In a statement, Greenwood accepted he had “made mistakes” and took his “share of responsibility”, but added: “I did not do the things I was accused of.”
United have said “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”, adding: “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.”
