Mason Greenwood ‘does NOT want to return to Man Utd’
MASON Greenwood does not want to return to Manchester United despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe leaving the door open, according to reports.
The 22-year-old striker last played for the Red Devils in January 2022.
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He was loaned out to Spanish LaLiga team Getafe in September for the remainder of the season.
United’s new investor Ratcliffe, who struck a deal to buy 27.7 percent of the club, did not rule out a return for Greenwood.
He said: “It’s a new decision. We will make a decision. I don’t know if he can still have a future.
“All I can do is talk about the principle of how we will approach such decisions.
“Is he the right type of footballer? Are we happy with that? Is he a good person or not?
“The process will be: understand the facts, not the hype, and then try to come to a fair decision based on values, which basically comes down to whether he’s a good guy or not.
“Could he genuinely play for Manchester United and would we feel comfortable with that and would the fans feel comfortable with that?
“It’s very clear that we have to make a decision. No decision has been made yet.”
But it has now emerged that Greenwood, who is under contract until 2025, would be “reluctant” to accept any offer to return.
The Athletics reported that Greenwood feels United should have given him more support after he was arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of rape and sexual assault.
All charges were subsequently dropped, but the England man would “come under greater pressure and scrutiny” if he returned to the Premier League.
He is also said to be enjoying his new life in Madrid with his partner Harriet Robson and baby and is able to stay “out of the spotlight” while playing in LaLiga.
It comes as Greenwood wants an investigation into whether Jude Bellingham called him a ‘rapist’ to be dropped.
Real Madrid’s Bellingham appeared to take a swipe after tackling the Getafe player this month.
Spanish football bosses launched an investigation which could see Bellingham, 20, banned.
But a source said: “Mason has told them he does not want Jude to be punished and has asked them to drop the case.
“He doesn’t want bad publicity and wants to continue playing football.
“He was very upset at the time because he didn’t expect this from someone like Jude.
“But he knows he will always be a target for that kind of thing, so he has accepted that he needs a thick skin.”
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Greenwood’s potential future options
MASON Greenwood’s long-term future in football is still unclear.
Greenwood’s contract expires in 2025 and he is expected to largely leave Old Trafford in the summer.
But the star has had a good season at Getafe and has been linked to other clubs.
Here are his four main options:
Stay with Manchester United
Greenwood’s United career was largely thought to be over when he moved to Getafe on deadline day last September.
But new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has since hinted that the 22-year-old could be given a path back to Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe left the door open for Greenwood to play for United again after saying a “decision” had to be made.
Sir Jim said: “He’s obviously on loan but he’s not the only one. We’ve got one or two footballers we’re dealing with and we’ve got to make a decision so we will.”
Barcelona
The Spanish giants are said to have been keeping an eye on the former Manchester United star all season.
Greenwood has reportedly told his advisers that Barcelona is a “dream move”.
One source told SunSport: “Barcelona want to sign Greenwood and he wants to move there.
“The next step is for the clubs to reach an agreement.”
Barcelona are even said to be willing to offer 22-year-old Lionel Messi’s legendary number 10 shirt to convince him to join.
Atletico Madrid
The Red Devils academy graduate has also attracted interest from Atletico Madrid.
Marca previously reported via Estadio Deportivo that the club has held talks with United to step up their pursuit.
Atletico had the chance to get a closer look at Greenwood during their derby encounter in mid-December.
While the former England international failed to get on the scoresheet during the tricky 3-3 draw, Getafe managed to frustrate the Champions League side to escape the Metropolitano with a point.
Make Getafe’s move permanent
Greenwood has regained his form as a starter in La Liga.
He appears to have enjoyed his football and is believed to be interested in staying in Spain long-term after settling in the national capital.
Greenwood scored seven goals and provided five assists in 25 appearances.
But several unnamed Italian clubs have also been linked with making moves for Greenwood in the summer.