21-year-old Mason Greenwood was arrested in January last year before being released on bail and subsequently detained for breaching court-imposed conditions.
Criminal proceedings against the 21-year-old were discontinued and charges were dropped on Thursday, February 2.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it had a “duty to stop the case” following the “withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light”.
This meant that 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.”
Greenwood’s representatives commented on his behalf: “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 have also issued a statement on the matter;
‘Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped.
‘The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps. We will not make any further comment until that process is complete.’
Can Mason Greenwood Play for United?
In terms of whether he is actually permitted to play in the Premier League now that the January transfer window has closed, Greenwood is 21 years old and was born in October 2001, making him eligible to be considered an “Under-21 player” and doesn’t have to be included in the 25-man squad.
Premier League rules state: “Under-21 players are eligible over and above the limit of 25 players per squad.
“Each player is assigned a squad number, which they wear during Premier League matches.
“For the 2022-23 campaign Under-21 players will have been born on or after 1 January 2001.”
Meanwhile, Greenwood’s profile appears on Manchester United’s first-team squad section on the official United website.
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Mason Greenwood was the brightest Manchester United academy prospect heading into 2021. The forward had 35 goals in 129 appearances for the Red Devils.
Greenwood made his competitive debut for Manchester United at just 17 in a Champions League fixture against Paris Saint Germain in March 2019.
His career stalled after allegations of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behavior, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm emerged leading to his arrest in January 2022. A trial date had been set for November 27 this year.
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