02 February 2023 , 20:56
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Mason Greenwood has been named in the Manchester United squad submitted to the Premier League for the second half of the season - but the 21-year-old being included is not an indication that he will return to action.
It was confirmed on Thursday afternoon that the striker would not stand trial for an attempted rape and alleged assault after prosecutors said that “key witnesses” were no longer co-operating with their investigation and the charges were dropped.
Greenwood has been suspended with pay by United since being arrested in January 2022, when the allegations first surfaced. The club are now conducting an internal inquiry during which he will not return to training.
But Greenwood has still been registered with the Premier League on a long list of Under-21 players - having also been included for the first part of the campaign, when he was on bail pending police investigations.
Greenwood will currently not play for Manchester United (PA)The once-capped England player is under contract at Old Trafford until the summer of 2025 and his deal is worth about £4m per season.
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In a short statement the club said: " 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."
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.
Greenwood made his senior debut for United in March 2019 and he has made a total of 129 appearances for the club, scoring 35 goals. He last played for the club on January 22 of last year, in a Premier League game against .
Greenwood last played for Man Utd last January (AFP via Getty Images)United’s official website has not allowed fans to purchase shirts with Greenwood and No11 on the back but his player profile remained online during the police investigations.
A CPS statement published at lunchtime on Thursday read: “A combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
“In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case.”
Greenwood said in a statement released on his behalf: "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."