Mason Greenwood has had the charges against him dropped but isn’t yet returning to Manchester United.
The charges against Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood were dropped on Thursday but the forward is still unavailable for selection.
United have launched their own internal investigation into the 21-year-old’s conduct and after that, they could decide to take action against the player.
What was Mason Greenwood accused of?
Greenwood was arrested on January 30 last year on suspicion of rape and assault, after an audio clip appeared on social media purporting to be the footballer making physical and sexual threats. Greater Manchester Police said at the time it had been made aware of “online social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence”.
He was immediately suspended by United and in October the Crown Prosecution Service said Greenwood had been charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Why were the charges dropped?
On Thursday GMP and the CPS both issued statements confirming the charges had been dropped. 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.”
A CPS spokesperson said the decision to stop the case came about due to “a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light”, meaning there was “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction”.
What happens next?
The charges have been dropped but Greenwood has not yet returned to United. The club have now launched an internal investigation with the aim of gathering a ‘more complete understanding of the circumstances around the allegations’.
The club are not putting a timeframe on that process but Greenwood will remain absent from training and from playing games while the investigation takes place. The investigation has started immediately.
What have Manchester United said?
The club released a statement on Thursday afternoon after the charges had been dropped. It said: “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.”
Manager Erik ten Hag was asked about Greenwood in his press conference on Friday but said: “I can’t add nothing, I refer to the statement of the club.”
When can he play for the club again?
Greenwood, who came through the academy at United, remains suspended by the club, so he will not be returning to Carrington or available for selection while their own internal investigation takes place.
It’s understood United’s investigation is to ascertain a fuller picture of the circumstances around the allegations.
As United’s statement said, that investigation will help them determine the next steps, which could include further disciplinary action or even the termination of his contract with the club. Greenwood’s current deal runs until the summer of 2025.
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