Manchester United suspended Mason Greenwood on Sunday after allegations that he mistreated his girlfriend Harriet Robson.
“Earlier today (Sunday 30 January), Greater Manchester Police was made aware of online social media photographs and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical assault,” stated a statement.
“An investigation was initiated, and we can confirm that a guy in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of rape and assault as a result of our inquiries.”
“He is still being held in prison for interrogation.” The investigation is still ongoing.”
Greenwood has not yet commented
Images and allegations were reportedly visible on a woman’s Instagram on Sunday morning and were subsequently widely shared across other forms of social media.
They have, however, since been deleted.
United had previously announced that England forward Greenwood, 20, had been suspended from training or playing with the Premier League giants.
“Mason Greenwood will not return to training or play matches until further notice,” said a club statement.
In an earlier statement, United said they were aware of the allegations and images on social media, adding: “Manchester United does not condone violence of any kind.”
Greenwood has yet to make any public comment.
Under English law, alleged and actual victims of sexual offences cannot be named.