Attempted rape charge against Man Utd star Greenwood dropped

(FILES) In this file photo taken on April 29, 2021 Manchester United’s English striker Mason Greenwood celebrates after scoring their sixth goal during the UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg football match between Manchester United and Roma at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, northwest England. – Charges including attempted rape and assault against Greenwood have been dropped by prosecutors, British police said on February 2, 2023. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Charges of attempted rape and assault against Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood have been dropped by prosecutors, British police said on Thursday.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material coming to light were factors in their decision to stop the case against the 21-year-old.

Greater Manchester Police said it was “only fair” that they announce that Greenwood, who was arrested in January last year, would no longer face criminal proceedings “given the significant media coverage of this case”.

The striker originally faced one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, all against the same complainant.

“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,” the CPS said in a statement.

“In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case.”

Greenwood, who has played 129 times for United, scoring 35 goals, last played for United against West Ham in January last year.

“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