Gary Neville makes awkward apology on ‘clumsy like’ about Man Utd player Mason Greenwood

A CPS spokesperson said: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review. 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.

“We have explained our decision to all parties. We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”

Greenwood’s last appearance for United came little over a year ago in a 1-0 defeat to West Ham. As the forward is 21 years old and was born in October 2001, he qualifies as an ‘Under-21 player’ and doesn’t have to be registered in their 25-man squad.