Manchester United appears to be on the brink of loaning forward Mason Greenwood to Serie A squad, Atalanta. Concurrently, United has reportedly targeted Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, further cementing a link between the two clubs. Discussions spearheaded by United football director John Murtough have made significant progress, even as internal deliberations continue about Greenwood's future with the Red Devils.
Greenwood, who is under contract with United through 2025 with the possibility of an additional year, has not been seen at United's Carrington training complex since the Crown Prosecution Service dismissed all charges against him five months ago. However, Greenwood, charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault, is no longer a subject of criminal proceedings.
Manchester United's leadership team, comprising Murtough, chief executive Richard Arnold, the Glazer family, and manager Erik ten Hag, has been deep in discussions over Greenwood's future. Despite the conclusion of legal proceedings, an internal investigation has been underway for the past 155 days. The inquiry is anticipated to wrap up before the start of the new Premier League season on August 14. This effort, according to sources, has been accompanied by dialogue with stakeholders and commercial partners.
However, these internal deliberations have not stalled the club's efforts in the transfer market. While Greenwood's future with the club remains uncertain, Ten Hag has been actively pursuing other options, expressing interest in several notable strikers, including Victor Osimhen from Napoli and Rasmus Hojlund. The Dutch manager's focus on bolstering his squad underscores his commitment to the team's progress despite the protracted investigation.
Greenwood's potential loan move is seen as a prudent step by observers, with Simon Jordan recently telling talkSPORT, "With all those factors in play, I think it's a sensible move. It's not kicking the can down the road." Despite the charges being dropped, the case has impacted Greenwood's standing with the club and its fanbase, prompting the need for a fresh start.
While Greenwood's potential move to Atalanta is not yet set in stone, Manchester United is keen to reach a conclusion on the matter before the beginning of the new season, a sentiment echoed by ten Hag who is reportedly frustrated by the length of the investigation.
United's management and fans alike eagerly await the end of the investigation and Greenwood's next steps, as the club strives to maintain its image on the global stage without impeding its team's progress.
