British police said on Thursday that charges of attempted rape and assault against Manchester United player Mason Greenwood have been dropped.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said that the case against the 21-year-old was dropped because key witnesses dropped out and new information came to light.

Greater Manchester Police said it was “only fair” to say that Greenwood, who was arrested in January of last year, would no longer be charged with a crime “given the significant media coverage of this case.”

The striker was first charged with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour, and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm, all against the same complainant.

The CPS 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 has played for United 129 times and scored 35 goals. He last played for United in January of last year against West Ham.

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According to Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, “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.

“The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing any updates of note, and so understand the rationale for discontinuing 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.”

Greenwood came up through United’s youth programme and was once thought to be one of the best prospects in English football. In March 2019, he made his debut for the Red Devils in a Champions League win at Paris Saint-Germain.

In February 2021, he signed a new deal with United that will last until 2025.

In September 2020, the attacker made his England debut against Iceland. Still, he and Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden were sent home after being found in violation of the team’s coronavirus protocols.

After the player was arrested, Nike suspended and ended its sponsorship deal with him. Electronic Arts confirmed that he had been taken out of active squads on its FIFA 22 game.