Manchester United are shocked by news that Ravel Morrison could be facing a jail sentence.
The Guardian reports Morrison, tipped to be one of the pre-eminent English footballers of his generation, appeared at Salford magistrates' court on Wednesday charged with assaulting his girlfriend and causing criminal damage. The 18-year-old is already the subject of a 12-month referral order after appearing at Trafford youth court, then aged 17, in January on a separate matter.
The latest incident allegedly took place on 19 April, the day before Morrison helped United beat Chelsea to reach the FA Youth Cup final. Morrison was given conditional bail and the case was adjourned until 25 May, when he will enter a plea.
Morrison has represented England at every level from the Under-16s to Under-19s and has been described at Old Trafford as the most naturally talented footballer to come through the ranks since Paul Scholes. An attacking, two-footed player, he turned professional on his 17th birthday and made his first-team debut as a substitute in the Carling Cup tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers in October.
United are aware of the court case and have declined to comment.
