Man Utd have Mason Greenwood price tag issue if Erik ten Hag sanctions transfer | Football | Sport

Manchester United are yet to decide whether Mason Greenwood has a future at the club but should the Red Devils opt to sell their 21-year-old forward, there are now lingering question marks surrounding his transfer value given he has not played football since the 1-0 win over West Ham way back in January 2022. Earlier this week, Erik ten Hag referenced that Greenwood “has shown he can score goals” but still the England international remains in the dark over his prospects of a return to the Dutchman’s first team.

Reports suggest the player’s fate could ultimately rest with United’s stakeholders which include commercial partners and the women’s team.

Greenwood remains suspended by United – as has been the case since January 2022 – as the club continues their ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the allegations he faced away from the football field.

Back in February, The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against Greenwood had all been dropped.

Yet despite that, he is yet to have been offered the chance to return to his profession meaning it has now been 15 months since he last featured for club or country because he remains suspended.

Should United decide they wish to sell Greenwood, it’s believed there are a number of top European clubs interested in signing the winger including Italian giants Juventus.

However, United would be facing a challenging predicament if they were to entertain offers or furthermore, begin negotiations with other clubs over a potential sale.

That’s because originally, Greenwood was on course to become an integral figure for United and had the quality to become a club legend had he continued to perform and develop at his initial rate.

But the off-field matter has undeniably halted his growth. As he has remained on the sidelines for so long, his value is sure to have plummeted.

That said, if Greenwood can find a way to return to his previous levels before his suspension, he is a player that has the talent and ability to feature in most teams around the world.

Player sales will be key to United’s spending power this summer and with a decision believed to be looming over Greenwood’s future, they will want to ensure they select the best outcome for all parties.

If that entails a departure, the club must ensure they secure the right fee for their academy graduate, who undeniably has the potential to explode to new heights elsewhere.

On the other hand, United will also be conscious of Greenwood’s inactivity and for that reason, they surely must consider lowering their price tag to ensure they’re able to move the player on.

It’s clear that Ten Hag rates Greenwood highly but he has also stressed to his forward during private talks that any final decision on his future will be made by the club.

Ten Hag is looking to improve his forward line this summer with Wout Weghorst and Anthony Martial heading for the exit door and the sale of Greenwood could help them raise further funds to splash on some new attacking options.

In addition to fitness, United must also factor in that Greenwood’s mindset may have been affected by the external matter and there are no guarantees he will return to his former heights.

Unfortunately, these are all variables that cannot be measured meaning United may have to make an informed, collective decision on the basis of the feelings that are present within the boardroom.

Should United opt to sell Greenwood, it does not appear likely that he will remain in English football.

A number of Italian and Turkish clubs have already registered interest and the chance to turn over a new leaf on foreign shores could be of huge interest to the player, as he targets a return to the sport.

Regardless of the final outcome, United’s final call appears to be imminent following the completion of the 2023/24 season.