Agreement reached: Man Utd may ask Mason Greenwood for big favour after ‘reaching agreement’ with Him today
Manchester United have reached an agreement after completing their investigation into Mason Greenwood, with an announcement expected in the next two weeks, according to reports. But even if the 21-year-old has a future at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag may ask a big favour from him upon his return.
United are on the verge of completing a £72million deal for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund this week.
The Danish starlet looks set to join Mason Mount and Andre Onana as the third arrival of the summer, bolstering Ten Hag’s attacking options.
Greenwood re-entering the fray would also strengthen the Dutchman’s ranks, especially if he can resume his promising development after breaking through under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
But he may need to make an unfavourable sacrifice when he returns to action in line with Hojlund landing at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag will view Hojlund as a significant part of his plans going forward as he aims to guide United back to the summit of English football. His £72m price tag says that much.
But while Mount was offered the iconic No 7 ahead of his switch, Hojlund doesn’t have the same privilege.
That’s because all six of the last numbers the 20-year-old has worn at senior level aren’t available at United.
Fred currently wears his No 17 at Atalanta, and though his expected exit would free up his shirt, Hojlund would likely need one before.
Anthony Martial looks set to stay, taking the No 9 off the table, while Facundo Pellistri currently dons the No 28.
Hojlund has also worn the No 20 and 21 shirt for Denmark, but Diogo Dalot and Antony occupy both.
However, most recently, Hojlund has been Denmark’s No 11. And given his important status in Ten Hag’s thinking, he may want to make that his own in M16.
Greenwood inherited the shirt in 2020 and won’t be keen on relinquishing it if he has a future at United.
But he isn’t likely to be thrown in as a regular starter immediately if he remains at the club, and therefore could be asked to hand it over to United’s new star striker.
After the No 13 and No 15 shirts, the next available number for Hojlund to pick up is No 30. It doesn’t scream marquee.
But such a request being fielded to Greenwood depends on how important Ten Hag’s latest addition considers a shirt number to be.
