Greenwood exit route ruled out as Ten Hag told how Man Utd can seal transfer

18 July 2023 , 20:25

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Mason Greenwood's future remains in question (Image: PA)

Manchester United’s plan to loan Mason Greenwood to Atalanta has been rejected with the Italian side insisting they will only sell striker Rasmus Hojlund for a straight cash deal.

United are close to finishing their internal investigation into Greenwood, who has not played for them since January 2022.

The first-team squad are said to have been split over Greenwood's possible return to the club after the CPS dropped all criminal charges against him – one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm – in February.

The Red Devils are close to finishing their investigation into Greenwood, who has not played for them since a Premier League clash against West Ham in January 2022. United had planned to loan the forward out abroad, with a potential move to Atalanta discussed.

It coincided with United ramping up their pursuit of Denmark international Hojlund. Boss Erik ten Hag is keen to land the Atalanta striker now that United have completed the signing of Mason Mount from Chelsea with Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana set to undergo a medical.

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As outlined by the Telegraph, United have stepped up their interest in the striker now that a deal has been struck with Inter for Onana. The idea is for Hojlund to become the club’s first choice striker next season amid question marks over the future of Anthony Martial, with Wout Weghorst’s loan deal having expired.

Personal terms for Hojlund will not be an issue, with the striker having already outlined his desire to move to Old Trafford. However, there is a significant valuation gap with Atalanta – hence the keenness from United’s end to add players to any deal – which looks likely to stall any move.

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani remains of interest to United and it is understood that the France international is viewed as an alternative if club chiefs are discouraged by negotiations with Atalanta to lower their valuation of Hojlund.

The Bergamo-based club originally put a €100million (£85.5m) valuation on the Dane although privately it is understood they would take a fee of £60million up front plus a further £10m in add-ons. However, United’s valuation is significantly lower for a player who provides an ideal profile and no shortage of potential, but just one season of top-level experience.

Greenwood’s future appears to lie away from Old Trafford. Ten Hag is reported to have spoken to the forward for the first time after Greenwood was cleared of the charges, in which the player was said to have been informed that any decision over his future would be taken by the club and not the management team.

Greenwood remains under contract at Old Trafford until the summer of 2025. He has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for United having made his senior debut in the Champions League in March 2019, and won a single England cap in 2020.

Colin Millar