Marseille front-runners to sign Mason Greenwood as he holds talks over Manchester United future
Mason Greenwood spent most of the 2023-24 season on loan at Getafe (Isabel Infantes/PA)
Marseille are in pole position to sign Mason Greenwood as the forward edges closer to the end of his controversial Manchester United career.
The French club are in advanced talks with Old Trafford executives to move ahead of Lazio and Juventus as his most likely destination.
Greenwood, 22, who has one senior cap for England, has been pursued by a host of overseas clubs since his loan spell ended at Getafe, where he played 33 league matches and scored eight goals. He held talks with United officials at Carrington on Monday but did not train with his team-mates on the first day of pre-season.
In February, new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe stopped short of ruling out Greenwood’s return at United as he said he needs to make “a fair decision” reflecting the club’s values.
But Greenwood has been told United’s position remains unchanged after the club said in August last year that he would “rebuild” his career elsewhere after attempted rape and assault charges were dropped.
Marseille are front-runners after they joined Lazio in making firm offers for the player, who has also attracted interest from Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Valencia and Napoli.
Greenwood has not played for United since he was arrested following attempted rape and assault allegations in 2022, but charges were dropped in February last year. Greenwood denied the charges.
Richard Arnold, the former chief executive, was previously criticised over his handling of an internal investigation into Greenwood, which drew criticism and led to some calls for his resignation after United were forced to backtrack on plans to bring the striker back into the first-team squad.
Senior Tory MP Caroline Nokes, who has chaired the women and equalities committee, has previously expressed concern at Greenwood continuing his career in top-level football.
Ratcliffe said in February this year that the club would take a decision on Greenwood’s future in the summer.
“It’s quite clear we have to make a decision. There is no decision that’s been made,” the Ineos founder said. “We will make a decision and we will justify it one way or the other.”
Donny van de Beek is also on the verge of leaving the club, with United close to finalising terms with Girona.
