Mason Greenwood set to face trial next year accused of attempted rape

The Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood is set to face trial in November 2023 on charges including attempted rape and coercive behaviour. 

Photograph: Adam Vaughan/EPA© Provided by The Guardian

Greenwood, 21, appeared before a judge at Manchester Minshull Street crown court on Monday. The footballer has been accused of attempted rape on 22 October 2021, and of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in December 2021.

He is also charged with repeatedly engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour, which allegedly included monitoring the complainant’s social media accounts and “making threats and derogatory comments towards her, amounting to a serious effect upon her”.

On Monday the prosecution asked for Greenwood’s case to be adjourned until 10 February. Jason Pitter KC said he expected a trial to take place from 27 November next year.

Maurice Greene, the resident judge at Manchester Minshull Street crown court, agreed to the dates and rebailed Greenwood until his next court appearance in February. His bail conditions include not contacting witnesses.

Greenwood, wearing a dark suit and tie, spoke only to confirm his name and age. Members of his family watched from the public gallery.

Greenwood was suspended from playing or training with his club after he was charged in January.

Born in Bradford, Greenwood joined Manchester United’s youth academy at the age of six and made his first-team debut at 17.

Once considered one of the most exciting and talented English forwards of his generation, Greenwood made four appearances for England under-21s and one for the full England team, lining up against Iceland in a Uefa Nations League game aged 18.

After his arrest, Nike ended its sponsorship deal with Greenwood and Electronic Arts removed him from active squads in its Fifa 22 game.