Police have dropped attempted rape and assault charges against Manchester United’s Ashley Greenwood

The 21-year-old was accused of attempted rape, controlling behaviour, and assault resulting in actual bodily harm in October, but according to Greater Manchester Police, criminal proceedings have been dropped.

According to British police on Wednesday, prosecutors have withdrawn charges against Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood for attempted rape and violence.

The Crown Prosecution Service said that important witnesses dropping out of the case and new information led them to decide to drop the case against the 21-year-old.

Given the extensive media attention this case has received, according to Greater Manchester Police, it is “only right” that they make this announcement about Greenwood, who was detained in January of last year.

The Manchester United striker initially faced three counts against the same complainant: one allegation of attempted rape, one offence of coercive behaviour, and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm.

Greenwood, a graduate of the club’s academy and previously regarded as one of the most promising talents in English football, signed a new deal with United in February 2021 that runs through at least 2025.

In September 2020, Greenwood earned his England debut against Iceland. However, after breaking the team’s coronavirus rules, he and Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden were expelled.

Nike put the player on inactive status and later discontinued its sponsorship agreement with him, and Electronic Arts verified that he was taken out of the FIFA 22 game’s active squads.