Despite Manchester United actively trying to cut ties with their controversial 21-year-old forward Mason Greenwood, they have only managed to temporarily halt his services with a season-long loan move. Now, the big question is: will fans see Greenwood play in the Red Devils shirt again?
The club announced on transfer deadline day that Mason Greenwood will now play for Getafe on a season-long loan to provide him with a fresh atmosphere to rebuild his career. The club has also promised to keep in close contact with the player throughout his stay in Spain.
Mason Greenwood moves to Getafe
Mason Greenwood is poised to make his long-awaited return to the field, marking his first appearance since January 2022, as he embarks on a season-long loan spell with Getafe C.F. Manchester United and Getafe managed to finalize the deal in the final hours of the transfer window, especially after a potential move to Lazio fell through.
In the days leading up to this, Manchester United were actively involved in aiding Greenwood’s transfer, having previously stated on August 21 that he wouldn’t be reinstated into the first-team fold following an internal inquiry.
Following the move, the club statement reads: “Mason Greenwood has signed for La Liga side Getafe on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance. The move enables Greenwood to begin to rebuild his career away from Manchester United.”
United chiefs also pledged to keep in contact with the one-cap England international, adding: “The club will continue to offer its support to Mason and his family during this period of transition.”
Greenwood loan deal hints Manchester United return
Following the conclusion of Mason Greenwood’s legal case, Manchester United conducted an internal inquiry and subsequently declared in August that Mason will now have to continue his career away from Manchester United. However, the club also promised to continue to support the player and his family as he becomes a father.
Just ahead of the transfer deadline on Friday, it was officially confirmed that the player had completed a season-long loan move to Getafe in La Liga. Manchester United could have executed an outright sale for Mason Greenwood amidst interest from clubs outside the EPL, but perhaps that did not happen because United wanted to be able to recall the player after he made his full return to football.
Observing the Club’s statement critically, it was discovered that Manchester United said nothing to expressly suggest Mason Greenwood’s outright departure from the club. The statement reads:
“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.”
Not only is it said here that United “will now work with Mason” to achieve the outcome of “recommencing” his career, but the CEO, Richard Arnold, had also previously expressed that the club would continue to offer their support for Mason Greenwood.
It is clear that Manchester United never wanted to completely part ways with Mason Greenwood, but didn’t want him to be a part of the 2023–24 campaign either. The club will be hoping that Greenwood will find his finest form in Getafe so that he can become an asset to the Red Devils once again.