Man Utd release statement as Mason Greenwood charges dropped a year after arrest

02 February 2023 , 17:28

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Mason Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United have broken their silence after Mason Greenwood had a charge of attempted rape and an alleged assault dropped by prosecutors.

The 21-year-old had been suspended by United since the allegations surfaced in January 2022. He was subsequently charged with one count of attempted rape, a count of assault and repeatedly engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour. He had been set to face trial in November of this year.

Greenwood's contract at Old Trafford runs until June 2025 and United said in a statement: "Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped. The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps. We will not make any further comment until that process is complete."

The Crown Prosecution Service this afternoon said that "the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction."

The CPS added: "In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case. We have explained our decision to all parties. We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”

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Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP's Head of Public Protection, said: "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."

Following his initial arrest several of Greenwood's sponsors, including Nike, cancelled their deals with the England international striker. He was also removed from the FIFA computer game and Football Manager series.

United stopped selling all merchandise with his name and face on it and a number of team-mates unfollowed him on social media.

Alan Smith