In a dramatic turn of events, Manchester United’s new owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has confirmed his intention to bring back Mason Greenwood to Old Trafford, fulfilling a promise to give the 24-year-old forward a second chance. Ratcliffe, whose INEOS group acquired the club in February 2025, spoke on June 29, 2025, saying, “I’ve seen him play a few times—he’s an amazing talent.
It’d be a shame to let it go to waste.” The announcement, made as United prepare for the 2025/26 season, has sent fans into a frenzy, with social media ablaze over Greenwood’s potential return after a three-year absence.
Greenwood, a product of United’s academy, last played for the club in January 2022, scoring 35 goals in 129 appearances before his arrest on suspicion of rape, assault, and coercive behavior.
Charges were dropped in February 2023, but United loaned him to Getafe and then Marseille, where he scored 10 goals and provided six assists in Ligue 1 last season.
His 78 dribbles and 48 key passes showcased his flair, but United’s former leadership deemed his return untenable due to public backlash. Ratcliffe’s takeover, however, has shifted the narrative, with the billionaire prioritizing Greenwood’s “exceptional talent” over past controversies, as noted in a club statement.
Manager Ruben Amorim, despite initial reservations, has reportedly agreed to reintegrate Greenwood, seeing him as a versatile fit for his 3-4-2-1 system alongside Harry Kane (£122m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£63m).
The move, facilitated by United’s £50 million sale of Alejandro Garnacho to Arsenal, involves recalling Greenwood from Marseille for a nominal fee, with personal terms already agreed on a three-year contract.
Fans are divided—some, like @RedDevilsForever, are thrilled, posting, “Greenwood’s back? Our academy star’s getting his redemption!” Others, like @MUFCTruth, oppose the decision, citing ethical concerns: “Ratcliffe’s ignoring the fans who don’t want this.”
The move follows United’s transformative summer, with £295.5 million spent on Kane, Matheus Cunha, and Mbeumo, funded partly by Marcus Rashford’s loan to Aston Villa.
Greenwood’s return, set to be formalized after the Club World Cup, aims to bolster United’s attack, but it risks reigniting controversy. As Ratcliffe pushes to restore United’s dominance, Greenwood’s second chance—backed by his undeniable talent—could either spark a revival or deepen divisions at Old Trafford.
