Charges including attempted rape and assault against Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood have been dropped by prosecutors, British police said on Wednesday.

The Crown Prosecution Service said the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material coming to light were factors in their decision to stop the case against the 21-year-old.

Greater Manchester Police said it was “only fair” that they announce that Greenwood, who was arrested in January last year, would no longer face criminal proceedings “given the significant media coverage of this case”.

The Manchester United striker originally faced one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, all against the same complainant.

A product of the club’s academy — and once considered one of English football’s brightest prospects — Greenwood signed a new contract at United in February 2021 that runs until at least 2025.

Greenwood made his England debut against Iceland in September 2020, but he and Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden were sent home after breaching the team’s coronavirus guidelines.

Nike suspended and later terminated its sponsorship deal with the player, while Electronic Arts confirmed his removal from active squads on its FIFA 22 game.

In other news – Lerato Kganyago tells fans about her Valentine’s day

Lerato Kganyago promises to disappoint people who anticipate how her Valentine’s day will be this year 2023. The past couple of years has been amazing for the DJ as her husband, Thami Ndlela goes all out to please her, and even gets her to trend on social media platforms. From shutting down a stadium for LKG to buying her a house and gifting her a hotel.

However, she revealed that she isn’t excited about Valentine’s day. It should remain in that corner. Re busy ra bereka,” she replied a tweep. Lerato further set the record straight after a fan teased her about setting a great standard this year. Learn More