Police drop charges against Manchester United's Mason Greenwood after a year of investigation

Mason Greenwood, Manchester United
Mason Greenwood, Manchester United (Image credit: Getty Images)

Charges against Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood have been dropped by police, just over a year since his arrest.

Greenwood was arrested on suspicion of raping and assaulting a woman on January 30, 2022, and again a few days later on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill.

He was suspended by Manchester United at the time, and has not appeared in a matchday squad or trained with the club since.

In October 2022, he was charged with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behaviour, and in November a court date was set for November 2023.

However, on Thursday, Greater Manchester Police released a statement that "Criminal proceedings against a 21-year-old man in connection with an investigation opened in January 2022 have today been discontinued by the CPS [Crown Prosecution Service]."

Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, Greater Manchester Police’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."

Greenwood's last match was a 1-0 win for Manchester United over West Ham on January 22, 2022. The club, where he is still under contract but is currently suspended, have yet to comment on the latest developments

UPDATE: Statement from a CPS spokesperson, via Times journalist Hannah Al-Othman: "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."

Conor Pope
Online Editor

Conor Pope is the former Online Editor of FourFourTwo, overseeing all digital content. He plays football regularly, and has a large, discerning and ever-growing collection of football shirts from around the world.

He supports Blackburn Rovers and holds a season ticket with south London non-league side Dulwich Hamlet. His main football passions include Tugay, the San Siro and only using a winter ball when it snows.

Read more
Former president of the Spanish football federation Luis Rubiales, accused of sex assault and coercion over forcible kiss, is surrounded by media as he leaves after taking the stand during his trial at the court of San Fernando de Henares, east of Madrid, on February 11, 2025. Spain's former football federation chief has given his version of events in his trial over his forced kiss on player Jenni Hermoso. The 47-year-old provoked worldwide outrage after he cupped Hermoso's head and gave her an unsolicited kiss during the medal ceremony after Spain won the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia.
Luis Rubiales found guilty of sexual assault for World Cup kiss
Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee
Why Joshua Zirkzee could be suspended after Manchester United win over Southampton
Manchester City's home ground
Manchester City star releases public statement, slamming employers for affecting 'mental wellbeing'
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is said to be pleading for more funds
Pep Guardiola issues a very blunt answer when quizzed by reporters on latest accusation levelled against Manchester City
Marcus Rashford's situation at Manchester United is still yet to be resolved
Manchester United to repeat trick for Marcus Rashford exit as new loan details emerge
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 02: Ian Wright of Arsenal (Left) leads the celebrations with a little help from teammates Paul Merson (foreground) and Patrick Vieira (background) during the FA Carling Premier league match between Wimbledon and Arsenal on November 2, 1996 at Selhurst Park in London, England (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Allsport/Getty Images)
'I got reported to the police for making a rude hand gesture to Coventry City fans - I got a £17,000 fine': Arsenal legend reveals receiving severe punishment after Premier League game
Latest in Stories
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could still leave the club this month
'Alejandro Garnacho has let his family down. He might be immature but he is not young anymore, it's a massive disappointment that he is not performing - he just seems like a Ronaldo fanboy' Ex Manchester United star launches astonishing rant at winger
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
'I was brainwashed by Guardiola, but in a good way. It was like I was at university': Ex-Manchester City star reveals genius of Pep
 Sheila Garcia of Real Madrid CF battle for the ball with Alessia Russo of Arsenal FC during the UEFA Women's Champions League Quarter Finals First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and Arsenal FC at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on March 18, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.
'Over two legs I expected Arsenal to beat Real Madrid in the Champions League, I still think they can despite being 2-0 down,' says former Lioness Izzy Christiansen
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Why Trent Alexander-Arnold won't be allowed to wear No.66 at Real Madrid as transfer edges closer
Latest in News
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could still leave the club this month
'Alejandro Garnacho has let his family down. He might be immature but he is not young anymore, it's a massive disappointment that he is not performing - he just seems like a Ronaldo fanboy' Ex Manchester United star launches astonishing rant at winger
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
'I was brainwashed by Guardiola, but in a good way. It was like I was at university': Ex-Manchester City star reveals genius of Pep
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Why Trent Alexander-Arnold won't be allowed to wear No.66 at Real Madrid as transfer edges closer
Ipswich Town third kit for 2024/25 season
'The pink kit was quite divisive to begin with: a lot of people were unsure of it but I think the Tottenham game has cemented it as this epic kit' Ed Sheeran talks about designing Ipswich shirt - and how it ties into his music