Rationale behind Manchester United’s decision not to reintegrate new Marseille signing Mason Greenwood has come to light. Prior to Greenwood’s £23.3 million ($30m) transfer to Marseille last week, United’s management deliberated over the forward’s future.
Former chief executive Richard Arnold decided against bringing Greenwood back into the squad last summer after plans to reintegrate him leaked, causing a furious backlash from fans.
In February, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had not dismissed the idea of Greenwood’s return, but the player ultimately joined Marseille on a permanent basis.
According to The Athletic, the new INEOS-led regime at United revisited Arnold’s decision and evaluated the feasibility of Greenwood’s return.
They concluded that public sentiment would strongly oppose his comeback and deemed it would be too disruptive and distracting for the team.
Additionally, they needed to raise funds for new signings while adhering to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
Greenwood, who had a successful loan spell at Getafe last season and was linked with moves to Lazio, Barcelona, and other clubs, reportedly was not interested in returning to Old Trafford. He was also allegedly displeased with how the club handled their internal disciplinary process.
He had not played for United since January 2022, following his arrest on charges of attempted rape, assault, and coercive and controlling behaviour—charges that were dropped in February 2023.
Despite some criticism from Marseille fans after his move to the Ligue 1 team, Greenwood could feature in a pre-season friendly against SC Toulon on Wednesday ahead of the new season.