Greenwood’s potential return prompted a group of female United supporters to protest outside Old Trafford before the Wolves game on 14 August, and said they wanted the club to “demonstrate a zero-tolerance approach” towards violence against women.
Female Fans Against Greenwood’s Return put out a lengthy statement to say the striker’s reintegration would tell them “as women, that we don’t matter”.
Greenwood’s contract at Old Trafford runs until 2025, and he could now be sold or loaned to another club for the remainder of his deal. He remains on full pay but will not return to training with United.
Neville also claimed United should not have been in the situation where the were presiding over a matter where they did not possess the requisite experience, and called for the introduction of an independent panel for the future.
“On an issue like domestic abuse, on violence against women, there needs to be independence,” he said.
“It shouldn’t be that Manchester United are the judge and jury on such a significant issue. Not just for themselves, but also for the game. People talk about the reputation of Manchester United but it’s the Premier League here as well.
“My view is that on issues of this importance, and severity, they should be dealt with independently by a panel.
“It’s 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.”
Sports lawyer Chris Farnell told BBC News: “Manchester United are damned if they did, and damned if they don’t.
“If they had done a quick analysis they would be told it should be more in depth. Because it’s been in depth it’s ‘taken too long’.
“I think the important thing is you have to look into the conclusions Manchester United have to come to and reasons behind it.”
Female Fans Against Greenwood’s Return told BBC Newsbeat: “This has now become one of the biggest talking points in football and I believe that this is going to be a bit of a litmus test that will set the standard for how other clubs deal with these issues in future.”
Andy Mitten, editor of United We Stand fanzine said on BBC 5 Live: “We also did a poll on United We Stand where 75% of fans did not want to see Mason Greenwood return to Old Trafford.
“So I think there would have been an even bigger backlash if Mason Greenwood would have been allowed to continue and play at Manchester United, so I think it’s sensible.”