Mason Greenwood REMAINS on Manchester United squad list
Mason Greenwood remains on Manchester United’s squad list as all attempted rape and assault charges against the footballer were dropped.
In a possible indication the 21-year-old could resume his football career, Greenwood remains named on the first-team squad page on United’s official website.
Greenwood was included in United’s official Premier League squad list at the beginning of the season despite being suspended by the club.
His biography on the club website makes no mention of the charges against him with the last update mentioning a new contract until 2025 he signed in 2021 and his passing of 100 appearances for the club.
United have yet to comment on whether Greenwood’s suspension will be lifted.
The England international was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in October 2022. All three charges related to the same woman.
On Thursday afternoon, a decision was made to discontinue prosecution after ‘the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light’, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
Greenwood, who has scored 35 goals in 129 matches for United since making his debut in March 2019, was suspended by the club on January 30 last year, shortly after his arrest by Greater Manchester Police.
His last match for United was in the 1-0 Premier League win over West Ham on January 22 last year, with his last goal coming in a 3-1 win at Brentford three days beforehand.
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.’
The charges Greenwood was facing – from November 2018 to October 2021 – all related to the same woman.
In November he had appeared in Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court wearing a dark suit and a hoodie and supported by family members.
He removed the hoodie when he appeared in the dock to confirm his name and age for the brief five-minute hearing, but did not enter a plea.
At the time Jason Pitter KC, prosecuting, had admitted the case required ‘careful consideration’ before it could proceed.
Today 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.’
