MASON Greenwood does not want to return to Manchester United despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe leaving the door open, according to reports.
The 22-year-old striker last played for the Red Devils in January 2022.
He joined Spanish LaLiga side Getafe in September on loan for the rest of the season.
United’s new investor Ratcliffe, who completed a deal to buy 27.7 per cent of the club, did not rule out a return for Greenwood.
He said: “It’s a fresh decision. We will make a decision. I do not know if he could still have a future.
“All I can do is talk about the principle of how we will approach decisions like that.
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“Is he the right type of footballer? Are we happy with that? Is he a good person or not?
“The process will be: Understand the facts not the hype and then try and come to a fair decision on the basis of values which is basically whether he is a good guy or not.
“Could he play sincerely for Manchester United and would we be comfortable with it and the fans would be comfortable with it?
“It’s quite clear we have to make a decision. There is no decision that’s been made.”
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But it has now emerged Greenwood, who is under contract until 2025, would be “reluctant” to accept any offer of a return.
The Athletic reported that Greenwood feels as though United should have given him more support after he was arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault in January 2022.
All charges were subsequently dropped, but the England man would “face greater pressure and scrutiny” if he returned to the Premier League.
He is also said to be enjoying his new life in Madrid with his partner Harriet Robson and baby and is able to stay “away from the spotlight” while playing in LaLiga.
It comes as Greenwood wants an investigation into whether Jude Bellingham called him a “rapist” dropped.
Real Madrid’s Bellingham appeared to mouth a slur after tackling the Getafe player this month.
Spanish footie bosses launched a probe, which could see Bellingham, 20, hit with a ban.
But a source said: “Mason has told them he doesn’t want Jude to be punished and has asked them to drop it.
“He doesn’t want bad publicity and wants to get on with playing football.
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“He was very upset at the time as he didn’t expect it from someone like Jude.
“But he knows he’s always likely to be a target for that kind of stuff so he’s accepted he’ll need a thick skin.”
Greenwood’s potential future options
MASON Greenwood’s long-term future in football still remains unclear.
Greenwood is out of contract in 2025 and is largely expected to leave Old Trafford in the summer.
But the star has enjoyed a good season at Getafe and has been linked with other clubs.
Here are his four main options:
Stay at Manchester United
Greenwood’s United career was largely thought to be over when he moved to Getafe on deadline day last September.
But new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has since hinted that the 22-year-old could be handed a path back to Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe left the door open for Greenwood to play for United again after saying a “decision” needed to be made.
Sir Jim said: “He’s on loan obviously but he’s not the only one. We’ve got one or two footballers that we have to deal with and we have to make a decision on so we will do that.”
Barcelona
The Spanish giants are understood to have been monitoring the former Manchester United star all season.
Greenwood has reportedly told his advisors that Barcelona is a “dream move”.
One source told SunSport: “Barcelona want to sign Greenwood, and he wants to move there.
“The next step is for the clubs to come to an agreement.”
Barca are even said to be willing to offer the 22-year-old Lionel Messi’s legendary No10 shirt to convince him to join.
Atletico Madrid
The Red Devils academy graduate has also attracted interest from Atletico Madrid.
Marca previously reported, via Estadio Deportivo, that the club have held talks with United as they step up their pursuit.
Atletico had a chance to take in Greenwood up close during their derby meeting in mid-December.
Whilst the former England international didn’t get on the scoresheet during the testy 3-3 draw, Getafe were able to frustrate the Champions League side and escape the Metropolitano with a point.
Make Getafe move permanent
Greenwood has been building back his form as a regular starter at the La Liga side.
He seems to have been enjoying his football and is thought to be interested in staying in Spain long-term after settling in the national capital.
Greenwood has scored seven goals and provided five assists in 25 appearances.
But several unnamed Italian clubs have also been linked with making moves for Greenwood in the summer.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
