Man Utd prodigy to appear in court on Monday 

Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood has been charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault.

The 21-year-old is due to appear in magistrates’ court in Manchester on Monday facing three counts relating to the same woman.

Greenwood, who was suspended by United immediately after his arrest in January, was initially questioned after images and videos circulated on social media and was released on bail. The footballer, who has not played since January, was arrested on Saturday morning for allegedly breaching the conditions of his bail.

After his arrest the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that it had authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Greenwood.

Janet Potter, the deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS North West, 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.”

Greenwood, of Bowdon, Greater Manchester, will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Monday, police said.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has a right to a fair trial,” Potter added. “It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice those proceedings.”

Manchester United released a statement on Saturday evening, which said: “Manchester United notes that criminal charges have been brought against Mason Greenwood by the Crown Prosecution Service. He remains suspended by the club, pending the outcome of the judicial process.”

Within hours of the allegations surfacing online at the beginning of the year, Greenwood — who has made one senior appearance for England — was suspended from playing or training with United, for whom he has made 129 appearances.

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