AUDIO RECORDING: Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood has had all charges against him DROPPED

Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood has had all charges against him DROPPED.

Greater Manchester Police said it was "only fair" to announce Greenwood would no longer face criminal proceedings.

Ch Supt Michaela Kerr said the decision had "not been taken lightly".

She added: "I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate the force'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.

"The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing any updates of note, and so understand the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this decision has not been taken lightly.

"Despite the media and public's interest in this case, we have decided not to comment on it in any further detail."

Criminal proceedings against Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood have been "discontinued."

The 21-year-old footballer was due to face trial in November over allegations of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour.

However, a statement issued by Greater Manchester Police on Tuesday said the case has now been dropped. Greenwood has not played for United since being suspended by the club in January 2022.

"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," Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP's Head of Public Protection, said.

A spokesman said: "We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review.

"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.

"We have explained our decision to all parties.

"We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met."

Within hours of the allegations surfacing online at the beginning of 2022, the forward, who has made one appearance for England, was suspended from playing or training with the Old Trafford club.

The club has been asked by the BBC to comment.