Mason Greenwood is reportedly highly unlikely to feature for Manchester United this season, with the club still determining the best course of action when it comes to the forward.
The England international was arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of rape and assault following accusations from a woman, and he was then further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill.
Greenwood was also facing charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, with a trial date set for November 2023.
However, it was recently revealed that all criminal charges against the 21-year-old had been dropped.
"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," said a spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service.
"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."
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Man United are currently conducting their own investigation, and there is believed to be a split among the staff at the club as to the best course of action.
"Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped," read a statement from the 20-time English champions.
"The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps. We will not make any further comment until that process is complete."
According to the Daily Mail, Greenwood is expected to miss the rest of the campaign, with the club not close to making a decision on his future.
The report claims that the investigation is likely to go on 'for several more months', with the player, who has not featured for over a year, likely to be interviewed by the club.
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Greenwood collects in the region of £70,000 a week at Old Trafford, and his current deal is due to run until June 2025, with the option of a further 12 months.
Man United are believed to be considering all options on the table, which include attempting to sell the forward this summer, terminating his deal, or bringing him back for the start of the next pre-season.
A recent report claimed that Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag has now been in direct contact with Greenwood.
Ten Hag is said to have made it clear to the Englishman that it will not be down to him whether the forward is allowed to continue at Old Trafford.
Greenwood has scored 35 goals and registered 12 assists in 129 appearances for the Red Devils, including 22 goals and four assists in 83 Premier League outings.
Matt Law
