Mason Greenwood: Man Utd exit route slapped down with Ten Hag stance clear after staggering U-turn

Mason Greenwood and his Man Utd future continue to cause division amid claims Erik ten Hag would welcome the forward back

Mason Greenwood and his Man Utd future continue to cause division

Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood continues to await a firm decision on his future amid reports Erik ten Hag is now prepared to welcome him back following claims two potential exit routes had been ruled out.

The academy graduate has not kicked a competitive ball for United now in 18 months, with his last outing coming in January 2022. And while all CPS charges against him have long been dropped, he still remains under suspension, on full pay, by the club.

A highly-rated asset and with still two years left to run on his deal, the 21-year-old’s future continues to divide opinion.

While Greenwood has remained away from the rest of the United first-team squad, he was seen recently going through his paces with Anthony Elanga. And while there remains no hint a return is likely, it seems two possible escape routes for the player have now been ruled out.

Indeed, United are firmly in the hunt to sign a new striker with Rasmus Hojlund their top target. To that end, they are likely to submit an opening offer for the Dane, buoyed by the knowledge of a solid Fabrizio Romano admission.

United, though, have learned during preliminary discussions with Atalanta they are looking for a straight cash deal only. That will come as a blow for United. That’s claims they have been looking to include three players as part of the deal.

One of those, Greenwood, was offered to the Bergamo-based club on a season’s loan. To that end, United felt the situation would have been the perfect solution to all parties.

Man Utd rule out Mason Greenwood loan exit

Atalanta, though, have rejected that chance, insisting they’re only willing to discuss a cash sale.

In addition, Juventus were also being linked with an approach for the Bradford-born star.

However, they too are unlikely to pursue a deal, having decided against his signing.

That leaves United in something of a quandary over the player’s short and medium-term future. Now, The Athletic have claimed that United have now decided to rule out the possibility of sending Greenwood out on loan.

“United have been looking at potential loan deals for Greenwood, and his name came up in discussions with Atalanta,” Whitwell said.

“United are trying to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Serie A side. But sources close to Atalanta have played down the prospects of a move for Greenwood. United are not now proactively exploring loan options.

“Greenwood has been training privately for several months with the full knowledge of United, in an effort to maintain fitness.”

In the meantime, Greenwood has not been included in the United squad to tour the USA. They kick off their programme across the pond with a friendly against Arsenal in New Jersey on Saturday.

Ten Hag, Man Utd stance on Greenwood revealed

United’s commercial partners are reportedly of the belief that United need to cut all ties with the forward. However, United’s first-team squad are reportedly split over his potential return.

But in a strong boost to the player, it’s claimed the sporting department, led by Ten Hag, would welcome Greenwood back.

Nonetheless, the decision is not likely to be the Dutchman’s to make. And as well as the commercial team, the women’s team are also opposed to his return.

Nonetheless, Greenwood has since held conversations with Ten Hag, over the phone, on his future. And the United manager has made clear that, whatever the outcome, it ultimately won’t be his that decides it.

United are close to concluding the internal investigation into his future.

However, as the Daily Mirror points out, Greenwood’s future is likely to remain away from Old Trafford.

The 21-year-old has 35 goals in 129 appearances for United since his debut back in March 2019.