How Mason Greenwood will be a crucial factor in Manchester United’s summer.

Mason Greenwood is poised to play a vital role in Manchester United’s summer strategy without making a return to Old Trafford.

The 22-year-old, currently on loan at La Liga side Getafe, is anticipated to be offloaded this summer, following his departure from the club last summer amid controversy.

The forward has been absent from United’s lineup since the club suspended him after his arrest by Greater Manchester Police in February 2022, on charges of rape and assault. He was later formally charged in October of the same year with attempted rape, assault causing actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behavior.

However, these charges were subsequently dropped in February 2023, as the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) cited the withdrawal of key witnesses and new evidence, leading to the conclusion that there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. Greenwood has consistently denied these charges and expressed his “relief” at the time they were dismissed.

United subsequently initiated an internal inquiry into the matter, given that it was no longer under the jurisdiction of the legal system. Richard Arnold, the former Chief Executive at Old Trafford, spearheaded this investigation, which took more than six months to conclude.

The Athletic leaked the preliminary findings of the investigation, declaring Greenwood innocent and outlining plans to reintegrate him into Erik ten Hag’s squad. This revelation sparked public outrage, leading United’s executive branch to hastily backtrack on their initial course of action in the face of widespread condemnation. Instead, they announced that Greenwood would depart Old Trafford to continue his playing career elsewhere.

A hurriedly arranged loan deal with Getafe followed, with the forward completing the move only in the final hours of the summer transfer window.

While it remains uncertain where Greenwood will continue playing once his current loan concludes at the end of the season, it is apparent that his career will not resume in Manchester. United is reportedly planning to sell him, a move that, purely from a sporting perspective, is expected to significantly benefit the club’s summer plans.

As an academy graduate, any transfer fee received for Greenwood will be categorized solely as income in Financial Fair Play reporting, as there was no initial fee paid when he joined. United’s acquisition of Greenwood involved no transfer fee, ensuring that the eventual sale would represent “instant profit.”

However, by July, the 22-year-old will have only twelve months left on his contract, though the club has the option to extend it by an additional year if they choose. Old Trafford officials appear to be cautious about exercising this option, considering the potential implications.

This circumstance will somewhat restrict the club’s ability to secure a fee commensurate with Greenwood’s talent. In terms of footballing prowess alone, the forward realistically commands a valuation of £100 million; however, considering the current situation, United might be aiming for around 50% of this figure.

Reports indicate that Greenwood’s current team, Getafe, has already submitted a £40 million bid to make his loan move permanent, but this offer was turned down by United. This rejection suggests that the club may anticipate receiving a higher bid in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Several clubs in Spain are reportedly expressing interest in Greenwood, who earned praise from Antoine Griezmann during a match against Atletico Madrid in December. The Frenchman described the English forward as “unstoppable” in a post-match interview. United is optimistic that this acknowledgment translates into interest from La Liga clubs, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid all being linked to potential moves for Greenwood.

If United secures a transfer fee surpassing £40 million for the 22-year-old, it would significantly enhance the club’s financial capabilities for summer spending. Considering the purported plans for a comprehensive revamp of the Old Trafford dressing room by the INEOS sporting team, every penny will be crucial as they approach July.