Man United forward Mason Greenwood 'expecting first child' after rape and assault charges dropped

Jimmy Nsubuga
England and Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood leaves Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester on November 21, 2022 after a preliminary hearing on charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault. - The 21-year-old was first arrested in January over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online. All three charges relate to the same complainant. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP) (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
Mason Greenwood is expecting his first child after rape and assault charges against him were dropped. (Getty) (LINDSEY PARNABY via Getty Images)

Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood is said to be expecting his first child after rape and assault charges against him were dropped earlier this month.

The 21-year-old has been suspended by his club since his arrest on suspicion of rape and assault in January 2022.

He was further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and making threats to kill.

But all charges against him were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on 2 February.

Read more: Man Utd women’s team ‘do not want’ Greenwood back but men’s side are ‘split’

Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood arrives at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, where he is charged with attempted rape. The 21-year-old is also accused of assault and controlling and coercive behaviour. Picture date: Monday November 21, 2022. (Photo by Paul Currie/PA Images via Getty Images)
All charges against him were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service earlier this month. (Getty) (Paul Currie - PA Images via Getty Images)

Greenwood was charged in October with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

A decision was made to discontinue prosecution in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, the CPS said.

A CPS spokesperson said: “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.”

Greenwood added in a statement: “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.”

Read more: Police ‘deliberately ignored’ bail breaches by Manchester United star Greenwood

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 22: Aaron Cresswell of West Ham United battles for possession with Mason Greenwood of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on January 22, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Greenwood will not return to playing or training while Man United carry out their own internal investigation. (Getty) (Naomi Baker via Getty Images)

It is understood Greenwood will not return to playing or training while Man United carry out their own internal investigation.

The club hope to gain a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the allegations made against the striker before determining their next steps.

It is unclear how long this will take and was not commenced until now to avoid prejudicing criminal proceedings.

Greenwood came through the United academy and made his senior debut for the Red Devils in a Champions League victory away to Paris St Germain in March 2019.

He has one senior cap for England, playing in the Nations League match against Iceland in September 2020.

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