Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood charged with attempted rape, coercive behaviour and assault

15 October 2022, 13:02 | Updated: 19 October 2022, 10:41

Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood has been charged with with attempted rape, controlling behaviour and assaulting 18-year-old student.

The 21-year-old was initially arrested in the Trafford area on Saturday for an alleged breach of bail conditions.

The Crown Prosecution Service subsequently authorised the three charges shortly after 4pm whilst the footballer was being held in police custody.

The premiere league footballer was first held in January over the alleged rape and assault of a young woman after images and videos were posted online.

He was also questioned on suspicion of making threats to kill.

Greenwood will first appear at Manchester Magistrates Court on Monday 17 October.

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The charge of controlling and coercive behaviour relates to a period of time dating back to November 2018.

Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS North West, Janet Potter, said: "The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Mason Greenwood, 21, with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

"All three counts relate to the same complainant."

"Specialist rape prosecutors from CPS North West's complex casework unit authorised the charges following a review of a file of evidence received from Greater Manchester Police."

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

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