Charges of attempted rape and assault filed against Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood have been dropped by prosecutors.

"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," a Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said in a statement.

"Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped," Manchester United said in a statement. "The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps. We will not make any further comment until that process is complete."

Greenwood, 21, was arrested last January after being accused of rape and other forms of abuse by a woman on social media. He was formally charged in October.

Once considered a crown jewel in Manchester United's developmental system, Greenwood has not participated in any club activities since the accusations first arose. Nike also terminated its sponsorship agreement with Greenwood.

Neither Manchester United nor Greenwood have not commented on the case being dropped. It's unclear if a pathway to him returning to the club exists, but he remains under contract through at least the 2024-25 season.

His salary has been paid throughout his time away from the team despite the ongoing legal proceedings.