Mason Greenwood breaks silence as all charges dropped a year after arrest

Man Utd striker Mason Greenwood has spoken out for the first time after charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behavior and assault on a woman have all been dropped

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Attempted rape charge against Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood dropped

Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood has spoken out for the first time after attempted rape and assault charges against him were dropped.

The 21-year-old had been suspended by United since the allegations surfaced in January 2022. He was later charged with one count of attempted rape, one count of assault and punitive behavior and coercive.

He was due to stand trial in November this year, but it was announced on Thursday (2 February) that all charges had been dropped.

Greenwood said in a statement released on his behalf, "I am relieved and would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support. There will be no further comment at this time."

Greenwood will not play or train for Manchester United while they conduct an internal investigation into the matter. Greenwood's contract at Old Trafford runs until June 2025.

Mason Greenwood spoke out for the first time after the charges against him were dropped (

Picture:

Paul Currie/PA Wire)

United said in a statement: "Manchester United take note of the Crown Prosecution Service's decision that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped. The club will now conduct their own proceedings before determining next steps. We will not comment further until this process is complete."

The Crown Prosecution Service said 'the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material coming to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of a conviction'.

The CPS added: "In these circumstances, we have a duty to close the case. We have explained our decision to all parties. We always encourage all potential victims to come forward and report to the police and we will sue wherever our legal test is met."

After his initial arrest, several Greenwood sponsors, including Nike, canceled their deals with the England international striker. It was also removed from the FIFA computer game and the Football Manager series.

United have stopped selling all merchandise bearing his name and face and a number of teammates have unfollowed him on social media.