03 February 2023 , 15:35
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Mason Greenwood remains unavailable to play for Manchester United after the charges against him were dropped on Thursday afternoon.
Old Trafford chiefs will conduct an internal investigation into the 21-year-old's conduct and will not be making "any further comment" until their probe is complete. Greenwood has not represented United since the 1-0 victory over West Ham in the Premier League in late January 2022.
He was suspended by the club after the allegations were made against him and he was due to face trial in November 2023. These allegations included one charge of attempted rape and one charge of assault.
The charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped (Getty Images)The accusations made against Greenwood
The forward was arrested on 30 January 2022 on suspicion of rape and assault. A statement from local police read: "Greater Manchester Police were made aware earlier today (Sunday 30 January) of online social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence.
"An investigation was launched and following enquiries we can confirm a man in his 20s has since been arrested on suspicion of rape and assault. He remains in custody for questioning. Enquiries are ongoing."
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In response, United suspended Greenwood and Nike said it was "deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations" while breaking off its own relationship with the player. On 1 February, Greenwood was further arrested on suspicion of threats to kill and sexual assault. GMP said in a statement: "Detectives have been granted further additional time to speak to a man in his 20s who was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault of a woman.
"The suspect was detained in custody on Sunday (30 January) afternoon. He continues to be questioned after magistrates authorised an extension until tomorrow (Wednesday 2 February). Following enquiries so far, he has since been further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill. Enquiries are ongoing and the victim continues to be offered specialist support."
A fresh statement from United read: "Manchester United reiterates its strong condemnation of violence of any kind. As previously communicated, Mason Greenwood will not train with, or play for, the club until further notice."
The charges brought against Greenwood
In October 2022, Mason Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. All three counts related to the same complainant and the Crown Prosecution Service authorised GMP to charge him.
This came after Greenwood was arrested for breaching the conditions of his bail by contacting the alleged victim. Janet Potter, the Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said at the time: "The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Mason Greenwood, 21, with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
"All three counts relate to the same complainant. Specialist rape prosecutors from CPS North West’s complex casework unit authorised the charges following a review of a file of evidence received from Greater Manchester Police. The defendant's first court appearance will take place on Monday 17 October at Greater Manchester magistrates' court."
United responded with a statement which read: "Manchester United notes that criminal charges have been brought against Mason Greenwood by the Crown Prosecution Service. He remains suspended by the club, pending the outcome of the judicial process."
Why the charges against Greenwood were dropped
GMP and the CPS released statements on the afternoon of Thursday 2 February confirming the charges against Greenwood had been dropped as there was "no longer a realistic prospect of conviction". A CPS spokesperson explained this was because of "a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light".
Meanwhile, Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP's Head of Public Protection, said: "Given the significant media coverage of this case, it is only fair that we share the news that the 21-year-old man, who had been arrested and charged in connection with an investigation opened in January 2022, no longer faces criminal proceedings in relation to this.
"The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing any updates of note, and so understand the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this decision has not been taken lightly."
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What happens next?
Greenwood is still suspended by United and he will not be returning to their Carrington training ground or featuring in fixtures until the club have conducted their own investigation.
United manager Erik ten Hag did not comment on the player during his press conference on Friday, saying: "I can't add nothing, I refer to the statement of the club." There is no timescale on how long United's investigation could take or what sort of outcome it could lead to. Greenwood has a contract which runs until the summer of 2025.
A statement released on the player's behalf after the charges against him were dropped read: "I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support. There will be no further comment at this time."
If you are suffering from domestic abuse, you can seek help and support by calling Refuge on their 24-hour hotline on 0808 2000 247 or visit nationaldahelpline.org.uk