Rape Charge: Erik Ten Hag Quiet On Mason Greenwood

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag declined to comment on Mason Greenwood despite all charges having been dropped against the 21-year-old.

Erik ten Hag was quizzed on the issue by the press during his news conference ahead of Saturday's home match against Crystal Palace.

The United boss said he has nothing to say on Greenwood as the club had issued a statement in the wake of the development.

"No. Nothing," he said. "I can't add nothing, I refer to the statement of the club."

When pressed on whether he has spoken to or met the player (Mason), he reiterated:  "I can't say anything about it, I refer to the statement of the club and at this moment I can't add anything."

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed on Thursday that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped.

The 21-year-old forward faced allegations of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault. 

All three charges are related to the same woman.

GMP said the decision to drop the charges had "not been taken lightly" despite that investigation began in January 2022 and the trial date had been set for November 27 this year.

Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP's head of public protection, said it was "only fair" that the force publicised the latest development given the "significant media coverage of this case."

Explaining why all charges were dropped, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it had a "duty to stop the case" following the "withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light".

According to CPS, the developments meant that 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," CPS added.

Reacting to the development, Manchester United said they are going to conduct their own process before determining the next steps after Mason Greenwood had all charges against him dropped following the "withdrawal of key witnesses."

"Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped," a Manchester United statement read.

"The club will now conduct its own process before determining the next steps.

"We will not make any further comment until that process is complete."