Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood’s rape and assault charges have all been dropped.
Greenwood was arrested in January last year 2022 and was immediately suspended by the club before being released on bail. He has not trained or played for the club since.
The forward was arrested for the second time last year October after breaching his bail conditions, and he was scheduled to stand trial in November.
However, a statement released by Police on Thursday afternoon confirms that, the 21-year old would no longer face any charges.
A statement from Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, Greater Manchester Police’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.
“Despite the media and public’s interest in this case, we have decided not to comment on it in any further detail.
“I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate GMP’s commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected, regardless of their circumstances, throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them. An ever increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training and the force is more consistently utilising tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.
“If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help.”
A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Services, explained, “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review. In this case 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.
“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.”
Greenwood’s most recent appearance for United was starting in a game against West Ham United on January 22nd last year, in a game in which Marcus Rashford scored the only goal of the game.
He was arrested just over a week later, and he was dropped by sponsors, removed from video games, and reportedly lost the support of his teammates.
Greenwood, who joined Manchester United as a child, has played 129 times in all competitions for the club, scoring 35 goals. He made his senior debut in the Champions League in March 2019.
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The forward has also made one senior national team appearance, in 2021, before being dropped after an incident with a fan in a hotel during Covid lockdown.
Meanwhile, Mason Greenwood has been called back into Manchester United‘s first team players on their official website just hours after his charges were dropped on Thursday afternoon.
The club also announced that Mason Greenwood will not train or play for the club until their internal investigation has been complete
His inclusion in the squad will assist the English Premier League team in competing in European competitions.
