**Mason Greenwood was later charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. All of those charges against the former England international were dropped in February 2023.**In late January 2022, Greater Manchester Police launched an investigation after becoming aware of social media posts containing images and videos that allegedly depicted incidents of physical violence. On 30 or 31 January 2022, the then-20-year-old Manchester United forward was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault. The following day he was further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and making threats to kill. He was subsequently released on bail pending further inquiries.Manchester United immediately suspended Greenwood from all football-related activities. The club stated it was taking the allegations extremely seriously and that the player would not train or play while the police investigation continued. Greenwood, who had made a single senior appearance for England and was widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in English football, saw his career placed on indefinite hold.The investigation continued through 2022. In October of that year Greenwood was arrested again, this time in connection with an alleged breach of bail conditions. On 15 October 2022 the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges: one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour, and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. All three counts related to the same complainant. Greenwood appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court shortly afterwards. He confirmed his personal details but entered no pleas at that stage. A provisional trial date was later set for November 2023 at Manchester Crown Court.Throughout this period Greenwood consistently denied the allegations. He remained suspended by Manchester United on full pay and was not permitted to train with the first-team squad. The case attracted intense media attention, reflecting both Greenwood’s high profile and the seriousness of the charges.On 2 February 2023 the Crown Prosecution Service announced that all criminal proceedings had been discontinued. In a formal statement the CPS explained that it has a continuing duty to keep cases under review. It stated that a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and the emergence of new material meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. Under the Code for Crown Prosecutors, the service was therefore under a duty to stop the case. The CPS emphasised that it had explained its decision to all parties involved and reiterated that it would always encourage potential victims to come forward and would prosecute wherever the legal test was met.Greater Manchester Police confirmed the discontinuance of proceedings and noted the significant media coverage surrounding the case. Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, the force’s head of public protection, said it was only fair to publicise the development given the level of public interest. The police reaffirmed their commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls.In a short statement released on his behalf, Greenwood 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.” Manchester United issued its own statement noting the CPS decision and confirming that the club would now conduct its own internal process before determining next steps. The club said it would make no further comment until that process was complete.The decision to discontinue the prosecution did not constitute a finding of guilt or innocence by a court. It reflected the CPS assessment that the evidential test for continuing the case could no longer be met. Key witnesses had withdrawn their cooperation, and additional material had come to light that altered the prospects of a successful prosecution. As a result, the criminal proceedings that had hung over Greenwood for more than a year came to an end.In the months that followed, Manchester United completed its internal review. In August 2023 the club announced that Greenwood would leave the club permanently. The two parties mutually agreed to terminate his contract. Greenwood subsequently resumed his career away from English football, first joining Spanish side Getafe on loan and later moving to Marseille before transferring to Turkish club Fenerbahçe.The original charges—attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm—had been formally brought in October 2022 and formally discontinued in February 2023. The CPS decision rested on the dual factors of witness withdrawal and new material that removed any realistic prospect of conviction. Greenwood has maintained his denial of the allegations throughout, and no criminal conviction was ever recorded against him in relation to these matters.The episode marked a significant interruption in the career of a player once tipped for a long international future. From the initial social-media posts in January 2022, through the formal charging process, the setting of a trial date, and the eventual discontinuance of all proceedings, the legal process followed the standard pathways of investigation, charging, and continuous review by the prosecuting authorities. The final outcome was the formal dropping of every charge that had been laid against the former England international.
