MANCHESTER, Feb 3: Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood will no longer face charges of attempted rape and assault, the Crown Prosecution Service said on Thursday.
In a statement, the CPS said charges which also included controlling and coercive behaviour were discontinued.
Greenwood was formally charged in October following an investigation that began in January 2022.
“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,” the CPS said on Thursday, adding it has a “duty to keep cases under continuous review.”
The 21-year-old Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 after images and videos were shared on social media.He was suspended by United and not permitted to train with the team.United said Thursday after the court decision that it “will now conduct its own process before determining next steps.” Greenwood is not expected to return to training until that process is concluded. Greater Manchester Police said it understood the reasoning for discontinuing proceedings but confirmed its “commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls.”
Ten Hag silent
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag declined to comment on Mason Greenwood on Friday, 24 hours after criminal charges against the 21-year-old forward were dropped. United has launched its own internal investigation and Greenwood remains suspended from both training and playing for the club.
At a press conference on Friday, Ten Hag said: “I can’t add anything. I refer to the statement of the club.
“In this moment, I can’t give comment about the process. I can’t say anything about it, I refer to the statement of the club and at this moment I can’t add anything.”
Ten Hag said Thursday’s announcement from the Crown Prosecution Service would have no bearing on United’s preparations for Saturday’s match against Crystal Palace, who held United to a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park last month. “We have always to focus on the game, no matter what, it is our job,” he said. “That is why we are here.
“We have a lot to do against them. Two weeks ago it was a bad performance there, I wasn’t happy with the performance from us, it was 90 percent focus and energy and we dropped two points.
“Tomorrow we need a better game, better focus in the game, better conduct in the way of play because we have to beat them, that’s quite clear.” (Agencies)
