Mason Greenwood captured the imagination of Manchester United fans as a 17-year-old, quickly being hailed as one of England’s brightest young talents. The versatile forward earned the full backing of then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and did not disappoint, scoring 35 goals in 129 appearances across all competitions and showing glimpses of world-class potential.
However, Greenwood’s rising career hit a dramatic halt in January 2022 when Greater Manchester Police arrested him on serious charges, including attempted rape, assault causing actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behavior. Although the charges were later dropped after key witnesses withdrew and “new evidence emerged,” the incident left a lasting mark on his reputation.
In the wake of the scandal, Manchester United decided against reintegrating Greenwood into the squad, facing immense scrutiny and backlash from fans. This forced the young forward to rebuild his career abroad. His first stop was a loan move to Spanish side Getafe, where he immediately impressed, scoring ten goals and providing six assists, earning the club’s Player of the Year award.
Greenwood’s performances caught the attention of Olympique Marseille, who secured his permanent transfer. In France, the 24-year-old has regained his potent form, reminding fans of the talent that once had Premier League spectators buzzing. This season alone, he has already scored 20 goals and added six assists, drawing interest from major European clubs, including Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and even Liverpool.
Adding another layer to the story, reports indicate that when Manchester United sold Greenwood to Marseille, they inserted a buyback clause into the deal. This clause would allow the Red Devils to re-sign him for a fee far below his current market value, which recent reports suggest could reach around €100 million if Marseille sold him on the open market. According to Football Insider, discussions within United’s hierarchy are reportedly underway about whether to activate the clause and bring Greenwood back to Old Trafford.
The decision now raises questions about how supporters will react. While the club could genuinely want Greenwood back to bolster the squad, some speculate the move could be financially motivated, allowing United to buy low and potentially sell high in the future. Regardless, the story of Mason Greenwood’s revival, from scandal to resurgence in Europe, continues to capture the attention of football fans and will be closely watched in the coming days.
