Mason Greenwood: Manchester United say they are in 'final stages' of making a decision on forward's future
Warning: This article contains content some readers may find distressing; Crown Prosecution Service discontinued its case in January against Mason Greenwood for attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behavior, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm
Manchester United have said they are in the "final stages" of making a decision on the future of Mason Greenwood.
The 21-year-old is suspended from training and matches until they complete an internal investigation after the Crown Prosecution Service discontinued its case against Greenwood for attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
United announced on January 30 last year he would not return to training or play any matches "until further notice".
A statement from Manchester United read on Wednesday: "Following the dropping of all charges against Mason Greenwood in February 2023, Manchester United has conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations made against him.
"This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain, and we have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case.
"Throughout this process, the welfare and perspective of the alleged victim has been central to the club's inquiries, and we respect her right to lifelong anonymity.
"We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner.
"The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason's future.
"Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation. Responsibility ultimately rests with the Chief Executive Officer.
"Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club's internal and external stakeholders.
"This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain. We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process."
Manchester United will conduct their own process before determining next steps after Mason Greenwood had all charges against him dropped following the "withdrawal of key witnesses".
The 21-year-old forward faced allegations of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault. All three charges related to the same woman.
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".
Those developments meant there was "no longer a realistic prospect of conviction", it added.
"In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case. We have explained our decision to all parties."
The investigation began just over a year ago, in January 2022. A trial date had been set for November 27 this year.
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."
A Manchester United statement read: "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."
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