Nike have suspended their relationship with Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood after his arrest on suspicion of rape and assault.
Greenwood, 20, was detained yesterday following the circulation of harrowing images and audio on social media, which alleged he attacked an 18-year-old student.
The pictures appeared to show the woman bloodied and bruised, while another post is a voice recording of a conversation between a man and woman.
Dated from October last year, it purportedly chronicled the woman being attacked.
In the wake of the allegations, Nike – the world-famous sportswear giant – released a statement stating that they were ‘deeply concerned’.
Now, it has been revealed their connection with Greenwood has been put on hold.
Nike have suspended their relationship with Manchester United star Mason Greenwood
The sportswear giant (seen on Greenwood’s boots) says the allegations are ‘deeply disturbing’
A statement read: ‘We have suspended our relationship with Mason Greenwood.
‘We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation.’
The woman who made the allegations against Greenwood was interviewed by plain clothes officers at her family home yesterday afternoon.
Soon after the messages emerged and spread on social media, United released a statement saying they were making enquiries ‘to establish the full circumstances’.
Greenwood, 20, was detained yesterday for questioning after distressing pictures and audio circulated on social media alleging he attacked an 18-year-old student
Today, police visited several close neighbours of Greenwood, who lives in a village in Cheshire
It added: ‘Manchester United does not condone violence of any kind.’
Forensic officers arrived at Greenwood’s £2million mansion, which is located in an upmarket village in Cheshire, yesterday evening.
United have also suspended the player, who earns a reported £75,000-a-week.
In a second statement, they said Greenwood would ‘not return to training or play matches until further notice’.
The posts allegedly incriminating the footballer were online for just a few hours before then being deleted.
United today removed any mention of Greenwood from its online store (pictured above)
A police crime scene investigation van parked outside Greenwood’s house on Sunday evening
Earlier today, detectives were seen visiting several neighbours of the forward.
Maureen Foley, 89, told MailOnline: ‘They asked me whether I had heard or seen anything. But I hadn’t so couldn’t tell them much. I have seen him but that’s it.’
Another neighbour said: ‘The police asked whether we have heard anything. But he’s only been here a few weeks. An Everton player used to live there and another player owns it but Mason just rents it.’
The latest developments come after Greater Manchester Police confirmed that detectives have been given extra time to interview Greenwood.
The service said: ‘Detectives have been granted additional time to speak to a man in his 20s who is being held on suspicion of rape and assault of a woman.
Greenwood is pictured in action earlier this season against West Ham United at Old Trafford
Pictured: A police crime scene investigation van parked outside Greenwood’s house
‘The suspect was arrested yesterday (Sunday 30 January) afternoon and remains in custody.
‘Enquiries are ongoing and the victim is being offered specialist support.
‘If you’re a victim of domestic abuse, or are concerned about someone you know, please use our online reporting facility or use our LiveChat facility on our website, or call 101.
‘In an emergency that’s on-going or life is in danger, always dial 999.
‘Some victims may not feel comfortable speaking with the police, or may feel they need support to come forward and make a report.
‘Greater Manchester Victims’ Services can provide independent emotional and practical support for anyone affected by crime.
‘You can contact the service by visiting the website on https://www.gmvictims.org.uk/ or calling 0161 200 1950.’
Club insiders, meanwhile, have held concerns over Greenwood’s ego for some time.
Other concerns were also raised about his behaviour, both on and off the pitch.
During lockdown, there were reports that he hosted parties at a rented property, with neighbours said to have complained about the noise.
The young ace rented a three-storey property through Airbnb ‘five or six times’ during the pandemic, with blaring music in the early hours disturbing those nearby.
A neighbour told MailOnline: ‘Mason Greenwood has been holding these raucous parties down our road for months.
‘He invites all these people round and the noise has been unbearable. I have been round there a number of times asking them to turn it down.
‘The music can go on until 4am or 5am, keeping me awake with this deep booming bass. The house shakes and there’s loads of raised voices and laughing.’
Previously, United have spoken to Greenwood about his attitude around the training ground, particularly over his time-keeping.
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