Mason Greenwood, the Manchester United footballer, has had all criminal charges against him dropped after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced it was discontinuing the case.

The 21-year-old was charged in October with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

But a statement from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said criminal proceedings have now been discontinued.

While the statement did not name Greenwood, 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.”

Controlling and coercive behaviour

Greenwood was initially arrested in January last year on suspicion of rape and assault and was re-arrested several days later on suspicion of making threats to kill.

He was charged by Greater Manchester Police following authorisation by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in October with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He has not trained or played with the Manchester United squad since his arrest in January and the club has said that situation will remain until further notice.

The centre-forward, who was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, has been with Manchester United from the age of six and has also made one senior appearance for the England national team.

He was reputed to be earning £75,000 a week and had a number of lucrative sponsorship contracts.

But following his arrest, several sponsorship deals were suspended and Manchester United also removed all Mason Greenwood merchandise from the club website.

A statement from the CPS said: "Mason Greenwood was charged in October 2022 with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

"A decision has been made to discontinue prosecution in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors."

'New material came to light'

A CPS spokesman 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.”