Greenwood reports to United to discuss Old Trafford exit

Mason Greenwood reported to Manchester United’s training ground on Monday morning to continue talks over an exit from Old Trafford.

Greenwood met with members of the club’s football leadership team and held constructive dialogue about resuming his career elsewhere.

The 22-year-old English forward arrived at United’s Carrington base at the start of pre-season and left following a brief discussion — there was never any anticipation that he would train.

Greenwood remains a United player but for now there is no expectation of him rejoining the first-team squad as a departure is worked on.

Marseille are frontrunners for Greenwood’s signature after they and Lazio made firm offers and entered advanced negotiations with United.

The Athletic revealed last month that Marseille were exploring a deal to land Greenwood, who has been favouring a move to the Ligue 1 team.

Greenwood has attracted strong interest thanks to a loan spell last season in Spain, where he scored 10 goals in 36 appearances for Getafe.

Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Napoli have also looked to pursue the matter, however so far those enquiries have yet to progress. A proposal from Valencia was deemed too low.

Greenwood has not trained at Carrington since his arrest in January 2022 for attempted rape, assault and coercive control. He was suspended by United and made available for transfer once the club confirmed in August 2023 that they had abandoned a plan to reintegrate him.

The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service ultimately discontinued the case against him when key witnesses withdrew their cooperation. Greenwood denied all allegations.

Every option technically remains open to United — whether that be a sale, loan or return — but a permanent exit is their preference.

He has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for United having come through their academy. 

(Flor Tan Jun/Getty Images)