Manchester United decided to let go of Mason Greenwood, who was a star in the making at Old Trafford, coming from the youth ranks to the first team, due to huge controversial off-pitch issues where he was deemed a criminal and arrested for domestic violence charges. From his girlfriend, after his release from jail, and his boyhood club, the Englishman has excelled as a footballer and continued to where he left off in France and when he was on loan at Getafe in Spain.
Controversy and Rebuilding His Reputation
Mason Greenwood is probably the most talented player Manchester United promoted from the youth academy in the past 15 years. The youngster, once known in Manchester United for his sheer talent and ability on the ball at such a young age, became a hugely controversial figure in the football world, but not for something he did on the pitch. Greenwood was charged with a case of domestic violence and assault on his girlfriend and was later arrested.
He was detained for almost a year but eventually released on bail despite all the controversy. Manchester United decided to let him go due to immense criticism from both within the club and outside of it.
Despite the club’s efforts to maybe have a chance of keeping him after his loan at Getafe, there was significant outrage from the English media and also some fans. The women’s team made it clear that they did not want to be associated with someone like Greenwood because of what he did, despite getting back with his girlfriend. United’s choice also considered the club’s reputation. Thus, after nearly two years, his chapter with his boyhood club was finally over.
Greenwood has flourished to rebuild his reputation in football since Manchester United decided to send him on loan in the 23/24 season and eventually let him go to Marseille before the 24/25 campaign kicked off. It never felt like he had an almost two-year absence from football, and he kick-started things from where he left off at Manchester United.
Life Outside Manchester United
When Mason Greenwood was available again to play for Manchester United after his bail, the Red Devils immediately started looking for a solution. They eventually decided to let him go on loan to Spanish side Getafe in the 23/24 season. Greenwood flourished in Spain.
Despite a lengthy absence, you would expect the 22-year-old to show rustiness and lack fitness, but it was quite the opposite. Greenwood played 36 games for Getafe and bagged 16 goal assists, eventually starting every match.
He was also named Getafe Player of the Year for the 23/24 season, and Getafe, despite their weak financial strength, tried their best to permanently buy him for Manchester United, where it seemed like there was no future for him despite his amazing comeback.
In June 2024, Greenwood returned to Carrington, where he was asked to train alone. Fans hoped their once-talented youngster would come back, but that never materialized. He was immediately placed up for sale.
Several teams wanted to acquire his signature, including some Premier League sides. Borussia Dortmund showed concrete interest and tried to sign him. But Olympique De Marseille, who had a very busy summer, spending around 85-100 Million Euros this summer, outbid everyone for Mason Greenwood.
The French Giants paid United 32 Million Euros for the 22-year-old winger. Marseille demonstrated their ambition by spending a lot of money and appointing Roberto De Zerbi when half of Europe considered doing the same. Greenwood has had a blistering start to his Ligue 1 campaign.
At the pinnacle of Marseille’s three wins out of three, he has five goal assists already in those three games, being man of the match in each of them as well. He shows why he was once compared to Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka. His talent and eye for goal at this tender age might give the French giants a chance for the league title this year. Leaving Manchester United might be a good decision for both parties in the long term.
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