MANCHESTER United says it is “determining next steps” after all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against Mason Greenwood were dropped.
The striker’s club added 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.”
It comes after Greenwood, 21, had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against him dropped.
He broke his silence on the matter this afternoon, saying: “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.”
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His name has also remained on Man Utd’s first-team squad list on its official website.
Greenwood was first arrested in January last year after police swooped on his mansion.
He was due to stand trial in November accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
The Crown Prosecution today confirmed they had dropped all charges against him.
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A 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.”
Greenwood last appeared in court in November where a trial date was set for November 23 this year.
The alleged offences related to one woman and were said to have taken place between November 1, 2018, and October 15, 2022.
Greenwood was accused of “repeatedly engaging” in controlling and coercive behaviour for almost four years – including making threats and derogatory comments on social media.
He was also charged with attempting to rape the woman on October 21, 2021, and allegedly assaulted her between December 12, 2021, and December 31, 2021.
The footballer was originally remanded in custody after being charged by police on October 15.
But a judge released him on the condition he does not contact witnesses, including the complainant, and resides at an address in Bowdon.
The striker also spent three nights in custody after he was arrested at his £15,000-a-month rented home in Trafford last January.
He was suspended from Utd but still received his £75,000-a-week salary.
Greenwood was removed from FIFA 22 and dropped by sponsors Nike in the wake of the allegations.
Football Manager 2022 also confirmed he would not feature in the game.
All merchandise bearing the No11’s name was axed from the official Utd site and teammates unfollowed him on Instagram.
Greenwood last played for the Red Devils on January 22 last year when the team beat West Ham 1-0.
The player joined the club aged just six and rose through the ranks to land himself a regular spot on the first team.
In 2019, he became the youngest footballer to play for United in the Champions League when he took to the pitch aged 17.
Greenwood has made 129 appearances in total for the Red Devils and netted 35 goals.
In 2020, England manager Gareth Southgate gave the striker his first cap when Greenwood came off the bench in a 1-0 win against Iceland.
Greenwood missed out on last year’s Three Lions’ World Cup campaign in Qatar as the case went to court.
Utd have not yet released a statement following the development.
Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, said today: “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.
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“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.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
