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    Arsenal star Jakub Kiwior’s agent names three top level clubs Gunners beat to transfer of Poland defender

    ARSENAL beat three top Italian clubs to the signature of Poland defender Jakub Kiwior.The Gunners bought the 22-year-old for £21million from Serie A side Spezia.
    Jakub Kiwior had interest from three top Italian clubsCredit: Getty
    Kiwior also impressed while playing at the Qatar World Cup last November-December.
    And the defender’s fine performances saw a number of top clubs register an interest in Kiwior.
    Italian giants Napoli, AC Milan and Juventus were all keen, the player’s agent has revealed.
    Sasha Baranov told TV Play: “All the important Italian clubs other than Inter Milan showed interest, including Napoli, AC Milan and Juventus.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    “However, with Napoli’s current situation, they didn’t need to change their team in January and wanted to continue talks in the summer.
    “You all know what happened at Juventus, while Milan also waited, and you know what happens when the Premier League clubs come in.
    “When a side like Arsenal come along, it becomes difficult for a 22-year-old to say no.
    “If it was Juventus or another big club coming in, it may well have been the same situation, but Arsenal are the only side who really pushed the talks forward.
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    “We honestly didn’t expect it to all move so fast, we thought he would stay in January and leave Spezia in June.
    “Arsenal came in and the player did not put pressure on his club, he just said that if the move was to happen, then good, otherwise he was happy to wait.”
    Kiwior is yet to make an appearance for Arsenal but was on the bench for the 1-0 FA Cup loss to Manchester City. More

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    Angry Manchester United fans say Mason Greenwood shouldn’t play for club again after charges against him dropped

    ANGRY Manchester United fans last night said the club should boot out Mason Greenwood — despite all criminal charges against him being dropped.Ian Stirling, a board member of the Red Devils’ fan-run  Supporters’ Trust, tweeted: “No way should he play for us again.”
    Manchester United fans last night said the club should boot out Mason GreenwoodCredit: AFP
    Greenwood said he was “relieved” yesterday after all criminal charges against him — including attempted rape — were dropped by prosecutors.
    The Man United star was informed that the Crown Prosecution Service had also withdrawn charges of actual bodily harm and coercive or controlling behaviour.
    The move came after 12 witnesses — including the woman at the centre of the allegations — refused to co-operate.
    Striker Greenwood, 21, said: “I am relieved that this matter is over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support.”
    Read More on Mason Greenwood
    But United bosses announced the club is now conducting its own probe into his behaviour surrounding the claims — which surfaced online in January 2022.
    Greenwood — who the club suspended following his arrest — will be unable to train or play for the Red Devils for the duration.
    A spokesman said: “The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps.
    “We will not make any further comment until that process is complete.”
    Most read in Football
    Last night dozens of United fans urged the club to get rid of Greenwood — on a £100,000-a-week contract. 
    Others said they should stick by him as he had not been convicted of any crime.
    He had been arrested in January 2022 after harrowing images were posted on social media, along with video and audio footage, suggesting he had been physically abusive towards a woman.
    He was charged last October and had been due to stand trial this November.
    The charges came despite the alleged victim telling cops in April 2022 she no longer wanted him prosecuted and would not give evidence  in court.
    Police continued the case as they regarded her as a “vulnerable victim”.
    Last Friday The Sun told the CPS that we understood it was struggling to build a case.
    It confirmed our information at 2pm yesterday, when the end of proceedings was announced.
    A CPS spokesman said: “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.
    “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 has made 129 United appearances, scoring 35 goals and has one England cap.
    Read More on The Sun
    He last played on January 22 last year against West Ham.
    Prior to his arrest, he was valued at around £50million and regarded as one of European football’s hottes young talents. More

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    From an ex-teacher whose man signed for £106m to celebrity ace’s model girlfriend – the glam WAGS of the transfer window

    FROM a Polish twerking champion to a Portuguese soap star, meet the Wags who will be adding an extra dash of glamour to the Premier League.With the World Cup interrupting the football season, the January transfer window was busier than usual – and will see a host of new faces hit our shores.
    The transfer window has given us some glamorous new Wags such as Margarida CorceiroCredit: magui_corceiro/instagram
    A football insider said: “A lot of talent has been arriving in the Premier League – both on and off the field.”
    Here, Michael Hamilton and Grace Macaskill meet the stunning women who will be cheering their partners on from the stands.
    Angelina Zabarnyi & Illia Zabarnyi
    Angelina Zabarnyi is studying philosophy at Kyiv UniversityCredit: https://www.instagram.com/angelinarr_/?hl=en
    BRAINY Angelina is the partner of Illia, 20, one of the Ukraine national team’s youngest players, who is headed to Bournemouth.
    Angelina is studying philosophy at Kyiv University but also runs her own business helping people grow their social media profile.
    read more on wags
    Illia Zabarnyi, from Ukraine, is headed to BournemouthCredit: Getty
    She is fiercely proud of her country’s fight against Russia, stating “Glory to Ukraine” on her Instagram bio.
    The couple have been dating for three years and got engaged last year.
    Fanny Neguesha & Mario Lemina
    Fanny Neguesha used to date Man City bad boy Mario BalotelliCredit: BackGrid
    WOLVES moved quickly to snap up ex-Southampton and midfielder Mario, 29, from Nice in France for an undisclosed fee.
    And his model partner, Fanny, 32, will be familiar to footie fans – she used to date Man City bad boy Mario Balotelli.
    Most read in Football
    Fanny is now dating Mario Lemina who has been snapped up by WolvesCredit: Getty
    The couple, who have been together since 2017, have a son and a daughter, who feature in their glamorous social media snaps.
    Fanny previously attempted a music career, releasing pop singles in 2016.
    Margarida Corceiro & Joao Felix
    Margarida Corceiro has appeared on Portugal’s version of Strictly Come DancingCredit: magui_corceiro/instagram
    A SOAP star in her native Portugal, Margarida, 20, has also appeared on her country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing.
    She has been dating Felix, 23, who signed on loan to Chelsea from Spain’s Atletico Madrid, since 2019 after the pair met on social media.
    Joao Felix has signed on loan to Chelsea from Spain’s Atletico MadridCredit: Getty
    Mia Regan & Romeo Beckham
    Mia Regan is a model, working with brands including Balmain, Gucci and VogueCredit: The Mega Agency
    SON of former England captain David, 20-year-old Romeo joined Brentford on loan from Inter Miami as he bids to follow in his famous dad’s footsteps.
    His girlfriend Mia, 20, from Chippenham, near Bath, has her own flourishing career as a model, working with brands including Balmain, Gucci and Vogue.
    Romeo Beckham has joined Brentford on loan from Inter MiamiCredit: Getty
    Valentina Cervantes & Enzo Fernandez
    Valentina Cervantes is a former English teacher
    ARGENTINIAN Enzo, 22, became the Premier League’s most expensive signing ever when he transferred to Chelsea from Portugal’s Benfica for £106million.
    He will be joined in West London by girlfriend Valentina, 22, who gave up her career as an English teacher to travel the world with him.
    Enzo Fernandez became the Premier League’s most expensive signing ever when he transferred to Chelsea from Portugal’s Benfica for £106millionCredit: Getty
    The couple began dating in 2019 and had daughter Olivia the next year.
    Claudia Kowalczyk & Jakub Kiwior
    Claudia Kowalczyk won the Queen of Twerking competition in Germany in 2017Credit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babe
    STUNNING Claudia, who is reportedly engaged to Arsenal’s new Polish defender Jakub, 22, won the Queen of Twerking competition in Germany in 2017.
    The 30-year-old Pole also leads dance workshops around the world – as well as posting raunchy snaps and videos on Instagram.
    Jakub Kiwior, from Poland, has signed to ArsenalCredit: Getty
    Noa Van Der Bij & Cody Gakpo
    Noa Van Der Bij is a model who also works as a booker for agency Cachet ModelsCredit: @noavdbij
    DUTCH model Noa has seen her Instagram followers more than double, from 17,000 to 35,000, since hotshot Cody, 23, joined Liverpool from Netherlands outfit PSV Eindhoven at the beginning of January.
    Noa, 23, also works as a booker for agency Cachet Models.
    Cody Gakpo joined Liverpool from Netherlands outfit PSV EindhovenCredit: Getty
    Katja Kuhne & Marcel Sabitzer
    Katja Kuhne rose to fame in the German version of reality show The BachelorCredit: Refer to Caption
    LEGGY Katja rose to fame in the German version of reality show The Bachelor.
    At 37, Ukrainian Katja is nine years older than Austrian Marcel, 28, who joined Manchester United on loan from Germany’s Bayern Munich.
    Read More on The Sun
    The couple have daughter Mary Lou, born in 2019.
    Katja, who was born in Kherson, is raising funds for her country following Russia’s invasion.
    Marcel Sabitzer joined Manchester United on loan from Germany’s Bayern MunichCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd vs Crystal Palace: Red Devils turn attention to top four chase after booking Carabao Cup final spot – stream

    MANCHESTER UNITED will need to readjust their focus on chasing a Premier League top four spot when they entertain Crystal Palace THIS SATURDAY.The Red Devils comfortably booked their spot in the Carabao Cup final after thumping Nottingham Forest 5-0 on aggregate.
    Anthony Martial scored on his return to the sideCredit: Getty
    Michael Olise’s free-kick left David de Gea with no chance in the reverse fixtureCredit: AFP
    And it now means that Erik Ten Hag could potentially guide United to their first trophy since 2017 in less than a season in charge.
    However, the Dutchman will be determined for his side to get back on track in the league after they suffered a damming 3-2 defeat to high-flying Arsenal last time out.
    But Michael Olise’s stunning stoppage time free-kick proved that Palace are willing to fight until the bitter end.
    When is Man Utd vs Crystal Palace?

    Manchester United’s intriguing encounter against Crystal Palace will take place on Saturday, February 4.
    It is scheduled to get underway at 3pm GMT.
    Old Trafford is the allocated arena for this Premier League fixture and it can host approximately 74,310 fans.
    Olise’s last-gasp equaliser denied United of all three points when the side’s met in January.

    Read more on Man Utd
    Is Man Utd vs Crystal Palace on TV?

    Unfortunately, Manchester United vs Crystal Palace will NOT be broadcast live in the UK.
    This is due to the TV football blackout law which stops games from being shown live between 2:45 and 5:15pm on a Saturday.
    Viewers in the US have the option to stream the action on Peacock.
    Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match.

    Most read in Football
    What is the team news?
    Erik Ten Hag would have been gutted to hear that Christian Eriksen is set to be out until April due to an ankle injury.
    Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay have also been ruled out of the Palace clash.
    However, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial both made returns to the squad against Nottingham Forest after lengthy spells out.
    And January signing Marcel Sabitzer is in line to make his debut for the Red Devils.
    Elsewhere, Patrick Vieira received a huge blow as talisman Wilfried Zaha could be facing up to six weeks out with a hamstring injury.
    James McArthur (groin) and Nathan Ferguson (foot) are set to miss out too, but Arsenal loanee Albert Sambi-Lokonga could make his first start in a Eagles shirt.
    What are the odds?

    Man Utd 4/11
    Draw 15/4
    Crystal Palace 8/1

    *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication More

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    How will Erik Ten Hag solve his Mason Greenwood dilemma? Man Utd boss faced with making decision after charges dropped

    ERIK TEN HAG felt he had rid himself of the last distraction in his camp when the club cancelled Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract during the World Cup.The Manchester United boss had grown tired of the Ronaldo question in every press conference and was relieved when it was all over.
    Man United are conducting its own investigation into the allegations made against Mason GreenwoodCredit: AFP
    Erik Ten Hag previously praised the player’s performance on the pitchCredit: Getty
    At lunchtime today at their Carrington training ground, the afterglow of booking a Carabao Cup Final date will have faded.
    Ten Hag’s run of 12 wins and a draw from the last 14 will be shunted to the sidelines ahead of Saturday’s game against Crystal Palace.
    The big question now is what is Ten Hag – who turned 53 today – and United are going to do about Mason Greenwood after charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm were dropped?
    It is a problem that will persist as long as Greenwood remains in the club’s employment, particularly given what Ten Hag said after being appointed when the player was still on bail.
    READ MORE ON MASON GREENWOOD
    At his unveiling last May he said: “Let’s wait for the judgment.
    “If he’s proven innocent he would get a place in my team, he’s an exceptional talent who can play on the left wing, right-wing, centre forward, and false nine.”
    Indeed he is, but it is all a lot more complicated than that, with the implications going far beyond where he might fit into a 4-2-3-1.
    For over a year, Greenwood will have been hoping the police investigation and subsequent charges – which have been dropped – would all go away and he could pick up where he left off.
    Most read in Football
    He was the latest United wonderkid with the potential to be the next Wayne Rooney.
    Have no doubt about it, this two-footed star was that good. He had the world at his feet.
    Now it is about him finding his feet again in a world that is very different to the one he left.
    The skills that graced the football field are no longer what comes to mind when his name is mentioned after those images and that tape came into the public domain.
    Despite no further action being taken and no stain on his character, this will follow him around.
    United will have taken note of this and everything else surrounding the case as they scrambled to sit down with lawyers today after being caught cold themselves by the announcement.
    What they have to juggle is whether a worldwide sporting brand as big as theirs can welcome the 21-year-old back into the fold.
    They have kept paying him and he has two-and-a-half years left on a contract that has the option of a further year on it.
    If anything it will have to be some pay-off if they want him to take his talents elsewhere, if there is an elsewhere.
    As officially still registered as an Under-21 player, Greenwood is eligible to play for United even if he is not officially on the squad list for the rest of the season.
    He can claim that he has every right to return to Carrington and resume training – despite United ordering him to stay away until they have completed their own internal investigation.
    Of course, he would be nowhere near match fit having spent so long on the sidelines, even if he has stuck to his own regime to keep himself in shape.
    That, however, is the least of the concerns.
    How will his teammates, and the rest of the staff at the club react if he returns?
    And what about the Red Devils’ women’s side?
    Outside of the club, social media was hardly welcoming him back to the sport with open arms today.
    Can he mentally recover from it all or cope with what is to come?
    If he does play again chants will follow him wherever he goes.
    Young players are often so good because they play with abandon, there is nothing else to think about in their lives except football, not for Greenwood now.
    All of this is not making a judgement, this is just how it is.
    As a club, United have so much to think about which is why their short statement today was effectively buying them time.
    From a purely financial point of view, they have to take in the reaction of their sponsors.
    Nike and EA Sports were quick to distance themselves from Greenwood when this all blew up.
    It seems a long time ago now that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was building his bright new future on a vibrant young frontline of Greenwood, Jadon Sancho, and Marcus Rashford at the start of the 2021-22 season.
    Greenwood scored in each of the opening three games.
    Read More on The Sun
    After his goal in the first game, a 5-1 win over Leeds, Solskjaer was effervescent in his praise.
    But now the only question is whether he can ever play for United again?
    The charges against the 21-year-old have been droppedCredit: PA
    How will the Red Devil’s boss navigate his Greenwood dilemma?Credit: Getty More

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    I wouldn’t have even let Enzo Fernandez back in the locker room, he showed no commitment to Benfica, says president

    BENFICA’S president has torn into Chelsea new boy Enzo Fernandez.Portugal legend Rui Costa claims the Prem’s £107million record buy was so intent on leaving Benfica he couldn’t even return to their locker room.
    Enzo Fernandez has been accused of giving up on Benfica as soon as he knew Chelsea were keen to splash outCredit: Getty
    Costa even says Fernandez’s attitude ruined the club’s hopes of tempting Chelsea to delay the transfer until a cheaper deal in the summer.
    The former AC Milan and Benfica midfielder didn’t hold back when firing a salvo at the World Cup-winning Argentinian.
    Costa said: “I’m sad to have lost the player, but I’m a clear conscience that I’ve done the best for Benfica.
    “Enzo showed no desire to stay at Benfica.
    READ MORE ON ENZO FERNANDEZ
    “From the moment Enzo realized he had the value of the clause, it was uncompromising. 
    “We insisted, but the player did not show openness to continue at Benfica.”
    Costa revealed how he offered the big-spending Blues a cut-price fee for the midfield star at the end of the season.
    He said: “I proposed to Chelsea that he stay until the summer for a lower sale value. 
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    “The player, even so, did not want to continue at Benfica. And this is where everything changed.
    “A player who, even with the possibility of not losing a euro and with a secure Chelsea contract, does not want to continue, could never stay at Benfica. 
    “This player could no longer enter the locker room.” More

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    Man Utd would tumble down the table with Liverpool in a relegation battle if the Premier League didn’t have VAR

    LIVERPOOL would sink close to a relegation fight if VAR didn’t exist.And Tottenham would leapfrog Manchester United into the top four.

    Jurgen Klopp would be raging even more if his mid-table Liverpool side hadn’t benefited from VAR decisions this seasonCredit: AFP
    Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag would see in-form Marcus Rashford and Co fall out of the Champions League spots were it not for video replaysCredit: Getty
    That’s the verdict from an old-style Premier League table – one WITHOUT key decisions made by video replays.
    ESPN compiled the Prem’s alternative look, with Arsenal’s lead over champs Manchester City cut from five points to three.
    But the main drama comes below that.
    Spurs would jump from fifth to third, dumping United out of the Champions League places.
    READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
    In contrast, the main sufferers would be Liverpool.
    Jurgen Klopp’s under-achievers can thank VAR for being only a poor ninth rather than 11th and just six points off the drop zone.
    In fact, Liverpool top the list for points gained from video-replay decisions – with SIX picked up.
    Next come Aston Villa on four, followed by United, Brentford and Crystal Palace on three.
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    Lowly Leeds are the main VAR losers on five points.
    Pep Guardiola’s City and West Ham would each have three points scrubbed off, with two removed from Brighton and Everton.
    Of course, that all relies on no other goals being scored after the video verdicts. 
    And that’s a tad unlikely.
    But it still suggests VAR has had a major impact.
    Liverpool’s video benefits, in their otherwise gloomy campaign, included three huge incidents.
    VAR allowed one of Roberto Firmino’s two goals after it was initially ruled out for offside against Mo Salah in a 3-3 draw with Brighton in October, which was most notable for Leandro Trossard’s hat-trick.
    In the same month City hero Phil Foden had a goal erased for an Erling Haaland foul on Fabinho as the Reds eked a 1-0 win at Anfield in October.
    And just a fortnight ago Kai Havertz’s early strike was scrubbed out for offside in a 0-0 Anfield stalemate with Chelsea that helped neither side.
    Chelsea’s Kai Havertz celebrates only to have his goal against Liverpool ruled out by VAR during the Anfield stalemate in JanuaryCredit: AFP More

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    Mason Greenwood LATEST: Manchester United break silence over star’s future as he has all charges dropped

    MANCHESTER United’s Mason Greenwood has had all charges of attempted rape and assault against him dropped.The Manchester United striker, 21, was first arrested in January last year after police swooped on his mansion.
    But charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control were today dropped after the Crown Prosecution Service said a number of “key witnesses” withdrew and “new material” came to light.
    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.”
    And in a statement released this evening on Greenwood’s future, Manchester United said:  “The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps. We will not make any further comment until that process is complete.”
    Read our Mason Greenwood blog below…
    This blog is now closed…
    Our Mason Greenwood blog has now been closed…
    But you can follow our Mason Greenwood coverage here.
    Mason Greenwood’s history at the club
    Greenwood joined Man Utd aged six to play for the club’s development school in Halifax, West Yorkshire.
    He progressed through to join the under-18 squad for the 2017-18 season.
    Greenwood then made his first-team competitive debut as an 87th-minute substitute in the team’s 3-1 win against PSG in the Champions League in March 2019.
    And his first goal for the club came in their Europa League opener against Kazakh side Astana in September 2019.
    Gary Neville ‘condemns violence against women’ after Greenwood-related Twitter like
    Manchester United legend and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has taken to Twitter to defend liking a tweet about Mason Greenwood.
    The tweet in question, shared by Nazir Afzal, the former director of public prosecutions, read: “Mason Greenwood has had all charges against him dropped by the Prosecutors What’s changed you may ask?
    “It appears that (some) witnesses will no longer support a prosecution & new evidence came to light It happens.”He is an innocent man, that’s all we need to know.”
    In response to backlash for liking the tweet, Mr Neville responded: “I liked a tweet relating to the Mason Greenwood news this afternoon from Nazir Afzal. ( the former director of public prosecutions ).”This like is being misinterpreted. It was a clumsy like as I obviously condemn any violence against women.”
    Mason Greenwood has all charges against him dropped
    Greenwood, 21, had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against him dropped.
    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.
    What were the alleged offences?
    Man U footballer Mason 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 CPS has dropped all charges against Greenwood
    Mason Greenwood has charges dropped by CPS
    MASON Greenwood has had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against him dropped.
    The Manchester United striker, 21, was first arrested in January last year after police swooped on his mansion.
    Greenwood 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.
    What has the Crown Prosecution Service said?
    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 missed out on Three Lions’ World Cup campaign last year
    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.
    Mason Greenwood remains on Man United’s Premier League squad list
    MASON Greenwood has remained on Manchester United’s squad list after his charges were dropped.
    The forward, 21, has his name on the first-team page on the official website in a possible indication he could resume his football career.
    Read more on the story here.

    Why were the charges dropped against Mason Greenwood? (2/2)
    “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, added: “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.”
    Why were the charges dropped against Mason Greenwood? (1/2)
    The CPS said that their decision to drop the charges was made with the case under “continuous review”.
    They also said the decision was made in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
    Speaking on the case, 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.

    BREAKING: Mason Greenwood releases statement
    Following the news that all charges would be dropped, Greenwood said: “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.”
    When was Mason Greenwood arrested?
    Greenwood was first arrested in January 2022, after police swooped in on his £15,000-a-month rented home.
    He was originally remanded in custody after and spent three nights there, before being charged by police on October 15.
    However, a judge released him on the condition he does not contact witnesses, including the complainant, and resides at an address in Bowdon.
    The 21-year-old was then due to stand trial in November.He was also suspended from Man Utd, but still received his £75,000-a-week salary.
    What were the charges against Mason Greenwood?
    Man U footballer Mason Greenwood was accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
    The alleged offences related to one woman and were said to have taken place between November 1, 2018, and October 15, 2022.
    The footballer was accused of “repeatedly engaging” in controlling and coercive behaviour for almost four years.
    This included 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.
    Mason Greenwood’s history at the club
    Greenwood joined Man Utd aged six to play for the club’s development school in Halifax, West Yorkshire.
    He progressed through to join the under-18 squad for the 2017-18 season.
    Greenwood then made his first-team competitive debut as an 87th-minute substitute in the team’s 3-1 win against PSG in the Champions League in March 2019.
    And his first goal for the club came in their Europa League opener against Kazakh side Astana in September 2019.
    The decision has not been taken lightly, says Greater Manchester Police
    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.
    “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.”
    When did Greenwood last play for Manchester United?
    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.
    BREAKING: Manchester United releases statement
    A statement from Manchester United Football Cub reads:
    “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.”
    Greenwood suspended by club during trial
    During the trial,  Mason Greenwood 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 was originally remanded in custody
    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.
    What were the alleged offences?
    Man U footballer Mason 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 CPS has dropped all charges against Greenwood
    Statement from the Crown Prosecution Service
    This afternoon 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.”
    Mason Greenwood has charges dropped by CPS
    MASON Greenwood has had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against him dropped.
    The Manchester United striker, 21, was first arrested in January last year after police swooped on his mansion.
    Greenwood 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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