Revealed: Why Mason Greenwood's potential return to Man Utd was ruled out after Sir Jim Ratcliffe & INEOS 'revisited' decision to let him leave

Before the 22-year-old was sold to Marseille for an initial £23.3 million ($30m) last week, United's hierarchy were considering what to do with the forward. Last summer, the club's former chief executive Richard Arnold ultimatelydecided against reintegrating Greenwood into the United squad after a furious backlash from fans when their plans to bring him back were leaked. In February, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe did not rule out a return for the one-time England international, but he has since joined Marseille on a permanent deal. So, why was that decision made?

According to The Athletic, United's new INEOS-led regime 'revisited' Arnold's decision and examined if a Greenwood return was feasible. They ultimately deemed that public sentiment would be heavily against the English forward's return and it would be too 'disruptive and distracting' for the team. The report adds they needed to raise funds to finance new signings and stay in line with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, too.

Greenwood - who had a successful season-long loan at Getafe last season and was linked with moves to Lazio, Barcelona and more - reportedly was not thought to be interested in returning to Old Trafford and was allegedly not best pleased at how he was treated by the club during their internal disciplinary process. He had not played for the Premier League side since January 2022, when he was initially arrested on charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive and controlling behaviour - which were then dropped in February 2023.

Greenwood, who has received some criticism from Marseille fans following his move to the Ligue 1 team, could play for the French side in a pre-season friendly against SC Toulon on Wednesday ahead of the new season.