(Football news) Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood faced allegations of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault relating to the same woman. The investigation started over a year ago in January 2022 and a trial date had been set for November 27th of this year. However, despite the charges being dropped, the player is not expected to return to training to feature for the team until the club conducts its own process about the next steps. The Red Devils had announced that the player will not return to training or play any matches until “further notice”.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it had a “duty to stop the case” following the “withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light”. Those developments meant there was “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction”, it added. “In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case. We have explained our decision to all parties.” A short statement released by Mason 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.”
A Manchester United statement read: “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.” Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said that the decision to drop charges had “not been taken lightly”.
She 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. 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.”
It will be interesting to see if Mason Greenwood has a future at Manchester United or the Premier League. The 21 year old was one of the hottest prospects in world football before the investigation began and it’s a position that Manchester United are understaffed in. Wout Weghorst is expected to be a short term replacement and Greenwood will undoubtedly be a long term option for the club. However, the Red Devils might not want to be associated with the player anymore due to the nature of the charges against him and terminating his contract could be a realistic possibility.
Nike also suspended and later terminated Greenwood’s sponsorship deal after the allegations were made public while Electronic Arts had confirmed that Greenwood was removed from active squads in FIFA 22. Born in Bradford, Greenwood progressed through Manchester United’s academy and made his senior debut for the club in their memorable win against Paris Saint-Germain in March 2019. The player has one senior cap for England against Iceland in the Nations League match in September 2020.
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