5 options for Mason Greenwood after Man Utd axe including MLS and Saudi Arabia
Mason Greenwood's time as a Manchester United player is over and he will leave the club.
Greenwood, 21, has not played for United since January 2022, shortly before he was suspended by the club. In February, Greenwood had charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service. Greenwood had denied all of the charges.
United conducted their own investigation since, and it was reported in recent weeks that the club was leaning towards reintegrating him into Erik ten Hag's squad. But the club, which claimed last week it had not made a decision on Greenwood's future, faced a backlash, with many angered by the prospect of Greenwood's return.
On Monday, United confirmed Greenwood will leave, with the club working with him to find a new career path. A statement read: "All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United. It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome."
Greenwood added: "I was brought up to know that violence or abuse in any relationship is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges. However, I fully accept I made mistakes in my relationship, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.
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"Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me. The best decision for us all, is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club."
The question now is where next for Greenwood? The one-cap England international is sure to find that many doors are closed as he looks to continue his career, but there may be some options on the table.
Mason Greenwood has not played for Manchester United since January 2022 and he and the club have agreed to part ways. (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)Major League Soccer
When it comes to ability, Greenwood would be the kind of player that MLS is looking for to develop its credibility and legitimacy as it vies to rival the best leagues in the world, but it appears highly unlikely that the 21-year-old will be playing stateside anytime soon.
The designated player system, which allows clubs the chance to pay three star players without salary cap implications, makes it plausible for MLS franchises to acquire a player on the kind of salary Greenwood had been earning at Old Trafford - in the region of £75k-a-week.
But the backlash to an American team potentially signing Greenwood would likely be similar to what has happened in England, surely making a move untenable. The arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami and his sensational impact on the pitch has created an unmitigated sense of positivity around the league. MLS is making headlines for all the right reasons at the moment.
An approach for Greenwood could dramatically change the narrative, something league bosses would surely be desperate to avoid.
Saudi Pro League
The story of the transfer window has been the massive recruitment drive by Saudi Arabia, which has poured hundreds of millions of pounds of state cash into the league in a bid to lure some of the best players in the world to the Kingdom.
The investment from the Public Investment Fund has included the purchase of four Saudi Pro League clubs – Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli – which means there is plenty of cash to sign players. Cristiano Ronaldo led the way after leaving United midway through last season, and Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane and Neymar are among a long list of players to follow him to the Middle East this summer.
The massive influx of talent, even if most of them are past their prime, has increased the credibility of domestic football in Saudi Arabia, and the huge pay packets on offer have made it an appealing destination for players. As he looks to get back to playing football, it could be a genuine possibility.
Turkey
Turkey has previously been reported as a potential landing spot for Greenwood, with loan enquiries being made by a number of Super Lig clubs back in March when the country's transfer window was still open, according to The Telegraph. Greenwood was still suspended by United at the time and no deal materialised.
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With some clarity on his future five months later, it seems likely that Turkish clubs will be interested again. Turkey is not an elite league that attracts top players in their prime, but it is competitive with routes into European competitions.
Italy
Italy has long been mooted as a potential destination for Greenwood. Juventus wanted to take him as a 17-year-old when he'd barely set foot into the first team, but United refused all advances.
Reports in Italy in July indicated Atalanta were not interested in taking Greenwood on as part of a players-plus-cash deal for striker Rasmus Hojlund. The Dane later joined United in a £72million cash deal.
Jose Mourinho had Greenwood breaking through as part of his squad at Old Trafford. Would the Portuguese be interested in taking him to Roma, particularly with Tammy Abraham out injured?
United appeared on course to bring Greenwood back to Old Trafford, but on Monday they announced they are working to find him a club elsewhere. (Matthew Ashton/Getty Images)Anywhere in England?
England, certainly, appears off-limits - particularly in the Premier League.
United have received a wave of criticism for their handling of the process and it is hard to envisage any other Premier League club wanting to wade into the situation.
Would clubs lower down the food chain? Even if Greenwood would improve their squad – although that is unknown after almost two years since his last game.
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