Mason Greenwood and everything that's changed with Manchester United close to decision

Mason Greenwood Manchester United

Mason Greenwood's future is up in the air with Manchester United close to a final decision

PA
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 03/08/2023

- 11:01

The 21-year-old is in the spotlight with his future at Old Trafford up in the air

Manchester United are poised to announce their decision on Mason Greenwood in the next few days.

And plenty has changed since the England international was arrested in January 2022 for attempted rape and assault.


Charges were dropped against Greenwood back in February 2023, meaning the striker is now free to resume his career in football.

Whether that's at United, a club he's been at since the age of six, or elsewhere, is currently unclear.

Mason Greenwood Manchester United

Mason Greenwood hasn't played for Manchester United since January 2022

PA

United, upon hiring the German, hoped he'd use all his knowledge and nous to steer the club into the Champions League.

Ultimately that didn't happen, with the Red Devils missing out on a place in Europe's top-tier competition.

Rangnick had hoped to make Greenwood a key player during his time in charge but, ultimately, the matter was taken out of his hands.

And after a dismal stint in the dugout, United then confirmed the appointment of Erik ten Hag in May 2022.

Since then, United have been a team very much on the up - even if Manchester City are the side to beat these days in the wake of their spectacular treble triumph.

Ten Hag knew United needed change upon replacing Rangnick.

And he immediately stamped his authority on the squad by allowing the likes of Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard to leave on free transfers.

Ten Hag also wanted United to spend and they did that, bringing in Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Antony, Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia in his first summer in the charge.

Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka also touched down on loan from Newcastle but would make just two appearances before returning to Tyneside.

Since then, United have made more permanent signings with Andre Onana and Mason Mount joining.

And Cristiano Ronaldo, a player who was ahead of Greenwood in the club's centre-forward pecking order, is now a figure of their past having left by mutual consent back in November.

Another thing that has changed since Greenwood's initial arrest all that time ago is the club have a trophy to celebrate.

Ten Hag guided the Red Devils to Carabao Cup glory back in February, with Newcastle beaten 2-0 in the final at Wembley courtesy of goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.

United had gone six years without any silverware prior to that point, a run that dated back to Jose Mourinho's time in charge.

But with one trophy now secured, Ten Hag wants more to follow as he looks to make the club a force to be reckoned with.

United are a club on the market these days, something that wasn't the case when Greenwood last pulled on the club's red and white colours.

The Glazers confirmed back in November they were potentially open to selling up, having previously purchased the club all the way back in 2005.

The saga has dragged on for too long, with fans losing patience.

But both Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are eager to buy United and the situation remains ongoing, despite suggestions the situation had been 'paused'.

Then there's the changes to Greenwood himself.

The United striker is now a father, having confirmed the birth of his first child on a social media post last month.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

Mason Greenwood Manchester United

Mason Greenwood wants to come back and play for Manchester United

PA

He's lost muscle mass over the past 18 months, as recent images of the 21-year-old training show.

But widespread reports say Greenwood is eager to come back and play for United.

What ultimately happens remains to be seen.

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