Fresh twist in Mason Greenwood saga as Man Utd ‘make major decision on star striker’s future’

THERE has reportedly been a fresh twist in Mason Greenwood’s future as Manchester United have made a “major decision” on the striker’s future.

The star striker is on loan at Getafe FC in Spain, but is still on United’s books for this season as they decide what to do with him.

GettyMason Greenwood has scored seven goals in 25 matches for Getafe FC while on loan[/caption]

RexThe Athletic reports that United had already triggered Greenwood’s contract extension[/caption]

Greenwood, 22, has impressed for Getafe, scoring eight goals in 27 games in all competitions.

Getafe have a belief the Red Devils have already triggered the option to extend Greenwood’s contract, The Athletic reports.

New owner Jim Ratcliffe had opened the door for Greenwood’s return to the club after it was thought to be unthinkable.

Greenwood, who went on loan to Getafe in September, has not featured for United since he was suspended after being arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault in January 2022.

All charges were subsequently dropped but the Red Devils suggested the former England man was unlikely to return to the club.

Triggering the contract extension would protect Greenwood’s value as it would show the club isn’t trying to flick him for any price with his contract due to end in May 2025.

The Athletic wrote: “An extension would also give United a longer window to push through a sale, allowing them to recoup a fee until the summer of 2026.”

But at Getafe there is reportedly a belief that United has already triggered that extension as they believe his contract will run until 2026.

Getafe is interested in keeping Greenwood, either in a permanent transfer or on loan for another season.

But senior Manchester United figures have disputed that the extension has been triggered to The Athletic.

“No discussions have been held to that effect — either with the player, his family or any interested clubs.”

They say they have no urgency with the deadline a year away, plus the club doesn’t have to inform the public of its decision.

Extending Greenwood’s contract would suit United if they seek to sell him as they would need remaining time on the contract as they likely seek to avoid losing him to a free transfer.

Getafe are also entitled to 20 per cent of any sale of Greenwood.

New boss Ratcliffe previously spoke about the Greenwood situation, saying: “We will make a decision.

“I don’t know if he (Greenwood) could still have a future.

“All I can do is talk about the principle of how we will approach decisions like that.

“Is he the right type of footballer? Are we happy with that? Is he a good person or not?

“He (Greenwood) is a Manchester United footballer and we are in charge of football. 

“So the answer is it’s quite clear we have to make a decision. 

“There is no decision that’s been made. He’s on loan obviously but he’s not the only one. 

Getafe Manager Jose Bordalas has been clear about his club’s openness to keeping Greenwood.

He said: “In the end his club decides and also the boy’s intentions regarding his future count.

“But I can say we are happy with his behaviour and his performance.”

Reports have suggested that United could demand £40million for Greenwood.

Getafe are unable to afford such a hefty fee and instead want to extent his loan stay beyond the summer.

European giants like Barcelona and Juventus are potentially interested in signing him.

But, other European teams like Lazio, Valencia and Real Sociedad are also said to be eyeing the 22-year-old.

Manchester United has been approached for comment.

GettyOther Spanish clubs are watching Greenwood, with Barcelona among them[/caption]