Recent reports have revealed that all of the very serious criminal charges against Mason Greenwood, who has been suspended by Manchester United since January 30, 2022, have been dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Greenwood was accused of attempted rape and assault, with all charges relating to the same person. A trial date had been set for November 27 this year – however, with the charges now dropped, it will not take place.
The 21-year-old is still suspended by Manchester United – it is currently unclear which direction Erik Ten Hag and the board of directors will choose to move in.
Should Greenwood return to the squad, United potentially risk upsetting many members of the public as well as some of their fanbase. On the other hand, Greenwood does have his supporters – as such, Ten Hag is faced with a no-win situation.
Ten Hag is not one to back down under pressure from individuals. He dealt with the Cristiano Ronaldo situation with conviction – however, given the nature of the accusations levelled against Greenwood, this is a much more sensitive and delicate scenario.
Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, Greater Manchester Police’s Head of Public Protection, said: “Given the significant media coverage of this case, it is only fair that we share the news that the 21-year-old man, who had been arrested and charged in connection with an investigation opened in January 2022, no longer faces criminal proceedings in relation to this.
“I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate GMP’s commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected, regardless of their circumstances, throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them.
“An ever increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training and the force is more consistently utilising tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.
“If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help.”
The whole affair is upsetting and leaves many people hurt as a result of the incident so there are only losers. Whether Mason Greenwood gets an opportunity to play for Manchester United again remains to be seen but the young man clearly needs to learn from this terrible incident and take a serious morale inventory. As a young man he deserves the opportunity to show he has learned from this painful matter, is humble and apologetic to the victim and all involved while crucially showing total remorse for his actions which led to him being charged.