Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are ready to offer 22-year-old Mason Greenwood a Manchester United lifeline amidst interest from Barcelona.
According to a report by the Mirror, Mason Greenwood could be given a chance to revive his career at Manchester United as Sir Jim Ratcliffe is open to the idea of reinstating him into their first team post his return to the club after his loan at Getafe comes to an end.
Greenwood came up the ranks at Manchester United at some pace. He was regarded as one of the best young forwards and was considered a huge prospect for the future. But, he was dropped from their first team in the winter of 2022 following police investigations.
While it was an initial suspension, it ended up lasting a long while. He was cleared to return to action after the charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive behaviour were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service last year.
United took time before making a decision regarding his future. They did consider the idea of reinstating the 22-year-old in the first team but chose against it following the backlash received by the fans, former players and members of parliament.
Greenwood’s incredible run at Getafe and the interest from Barcelona
It was reported that a few of the players of Erik ten Hag and the women’s squad backed the decision to not bring him back. Post that he was sent out on a season-long loan to Getafe. Since making the move to Spain, the 22-year-old has been doing wonders for them.
He has been their best player in the ongoing season. The United academy graduate has 12 goal contributions in his 25 outings. Greenwood’s impressive performances have attracted the attention of Barcelona.
The Catalan giants are keeping a close eye on his situation and if he is available for a bargain price, they can surely make a move for him.
Ratcliffe to give Greenwood a lifeline
While Barcelona are keen on his signatures, Ratcliffe feels the club hasn’t managed the situation in the best possible way. They are paying a significant portion of the 22-year-old’s £75,000-a-week wages and there is a possibility that they could lose him for free. It does look like a bad piece of business given that he was once valued at over £50 million.
Ratcliffe has promised to look at ways to reintegrate him back into Ten Hag’s squad. He has promised a fresh and fair decision in the near future. While his current deal with the Red Devils ends in the summer of 2025, there is an option to extend it by another 12 months which does give the Manchester-based club a cushion.
