The criminal charges against Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood have been dropped.
In October last year, the 21-year-old was charged with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
On February 2, 2023, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that the criminal proceedings against Greenwood had been discontinued.
A CPS spokesperson said: “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.”
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.
“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.”
What was Mason Greenwood previously charged with?
Greenwood was arrested on January 31, 2022 on suspicion of rape and assault, and further arrested on February 1 on suspicion of sexual assault and making threats to kill. He was released on bail on February 2.
The CPS confirmed in October that Greenwood was facing three charges.
Janet Potter, the Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said in a statement on October 15: “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.
Criminal proceedings against a 21-year-old man in connection with an investigation opened in January 2022 have, today (Thursday 2 February 2023), been discontinued by the CPS.
Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, said:… (1/7) pic.twitter.com/VOp9n527Kw
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) February 2, 2023
“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, October 17 at Greater Manchester magistrates’ court.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice those proceedings.”
The England international, who was suspended by Manchester United last January, attended a magistrates’ court on October 17 last year. He was initially remanded in custody ahead of a pre-trial hearing in November but was released on bail on October 19 following a private hearing.
Greenwood, who has not responded publicly to the allegations, was due to stand trial in November this year.
![Mason Greenwood Manchester United 2021-22 Mason Greenwood Manchester United 2021-22](https://library.sportingnews.com/styles/crop_style_16_9_mobile_2x/s3/2021-11/mason-greenwood-manchester-united-2021-22_nuougzqup9nxzrl4dyehwxg9.jpg?itok=W5ZB7chh)
What have Manchester United said about Mason Greenwood?
Following the CPS statement on October 15, 2022, Manchester United said: “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.”
After the criminal proceedings against Greenwood were discontinued, United 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.”
The former academy star, who has one England cap, has not played or trained with United since his arrest in January last year. His profile was active in the men’s first-team squad section of the official United website as of February 2, 2023.
Nike ended its sponsorship deal with Greenwood last year, while Electronic Arts removed him from active squads on its FIFA 22 game.
Mason Greenwood age, career, contract
Greenwood, 21, joined United’s youth ranks in 2007 and became a first-team regular in 2019.
He made his competitive debut as an 87th-minute substitute in a 3–1 victory over Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League. Then 17, he became the club’s youngest ever player in the modern competition. In the same week, he went on to feature in the Premier League for the first time when he was introduced as a substitute in a 2–0 defeat to Arsenal.
Greenwood became the club’s youngest ever goalscorer in European competition with a strike against FC Astana in the Europa League at Old Trafford 12 days before he turned 18.
Greenwood was named in the England senior squad for the first time in August 2020 and made his debut the following month as a substitute in a 1–0 win in Iceland in a UEFA Nations League match.
In total, Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for United. He is under contract at Old Trafford until 2025.