Man United release statement after Mason Greenwood charges dropped

The club have released a statement about Greenwood

Mason Greenwood will have to stay away from Manchester United for an indefinite period of time whilst the club carries out its own internal investigation into the player. On Thursday, the 21-year-old footballer had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against him dropped. In a statement, the club said they will now begin their "own process before determining next steps." They added: "We will not make any further comment until that process is complete." The club had not wanted to begin their own process until now in case this interfered with criminal proceedings. A timeframe has not been put on how long this will take. Following the confirmation that the charges against him had been dropped, Greenwood released a statement. He said: “I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support. “There will be no further comment at this time.” The Manchester United striker, 21, was first arrested in January last year after allegations relating to a young woman first surfaced online. Greenwood was due to stand trial in November on charges of attempted rape, assault, and coercive control, all against the same woman. Greater Manchester Police confirmed on Thursday that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had dropped all charges against him. 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."