Mason Greenwood had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control dropped in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew, before Manchester United's internal investigation ended with his departure from the club in one of English football's most divisive episodes.
Greenwood, then 21, was arrested at his home in January 2022 amid a series of allegations, with a number of images and videos posted on social media. He was suspended by Manchester United soon after, with the club confirming he would not "return to training or play matches until further notice". After being released on bail, he was later charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and was due to stand trial in November.
In February 2023, Greater Manchester Police and the Crown Prosecution Service announced that all charges had been discontinued. "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," the CPS said. "In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case."
Manchester United said it would conduct its own process before determining next steps. That internal investigation concluded in August 2023 with the club announcing that Greenwood would leave Old Trafford. "Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged," the club said. "That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for."
The decision to part ways was, the club said, mutual: "All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United. It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford."
Greenwood, a product of United's youth academy who made his full debut in 2019 aged 17 and had become a key first-team player, subsequently rebuilt his career abroad. The case remains a lightning rod: supporters' groups and sponsors had made clear that any return to United would have triggered a backlash, while debates about due process, the court of public opinion and the handling of domestic abuse allegations in football continue to this day. Greenwood has never commented publicly on the allegations at any stage. The case remains a lightning rod: supporters' groups and sponsors had made clear that any return to United would have triggered a backlash, while debates about due process, the court of public opinion and the handling of domestic abuse allegations in football continue to this day.