JUST IN – Greenwood set to return to Man United Ratcliffe – Man Utd’s next hire ‘will make fresh Mason Greenwood decision’ as star given return hope
Exciting developments are on the horizon for Mason Greenwood’s potential return to the Manchester United fold next season, courtesy of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s substantial £1.3 billion investment in the club, as per recent reports.
Despite earlier expectations of a permanent departure following his loan spell at Getafe, upcoming changes under the INEOS ownership might pave the way for the 22-year-old forward’s comeback.
Reports suggest that former CEO Richard Arnold had initiated plans to reintegrate Greenwood into Erik ten Hag’s squad last summer, concluding a comprehensive investigation into the player’s January 2022 arrest.
Greenwood faced charges of attempted rape, assault, and controlling and coercive behavior, all of which he vehemently denied.
The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges in February last year, citing the withdrawal of key witnesses and the emergence of new material.
However, internal and external pressures led to a change of course, with Arnold, who departed the club in December after 16 years, orchestrating Greenwood’s swift exit.
Despite this, Greenwood has showcased glimpses of his past brilliance at Getafe, contributing five goals and four assists in 19 appearances this season.
His performances have reportedly attracted interest from European giants such as Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.
The decision on Greenwood’s future, initially expected to be made near the end of the season, may now see Ratcliffe delegating the final say, paralleling the Glazers family’s approach with Arnold.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Greenwood, along with Jadon Sancho, is poised to return to Old Trafford at the end of the season, allowing the club time to assess their futures.
United and INEOS are reportedly keen on appointing a new sporting director, expected to be in place by the summer transfer window, who will oversee the pathways of both players.
Ratcliffe’s influence on football operations, set to be formalized with the Premier League’s ratification of his 29% stake next month, has already brought change.
Manchester City’s Omar Berrada has been announced as Arnold’s successor as chief executive, signaling a potential overhaul of United’s structure with new appointments in key roles.
Various names, including Dan Ashworth, Paul Mitchell, Dougie Freedman, Michael Edwards, Julian Ward, and Andrea Berta, have been linked to the roles of sporting director and head of recruitment.
The individual stepping into the sporting director role will likely face a pivotal decision regarding Greenwood, marking the beginning of an exciting new era at Old Trafford.
