Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has addressed the situation of suspended striker Mason Greenwood for the first time since February. The Red Devils qualified for the Champions League this season, and they will be looking to advance further the following season by fighting for the title. And goalscoring is one front where they need to add something solid for the next campaign.
While Marcus Rashford managed to score 30 goals in all competitions this season, Anthony Martial was their second most productive striker, however, scoring only nine goals the whole season. As they scour the market for a striker this summer, Ten Hag has acknowledged that Mason Greenwood could make a return for United, while they also plot a move for Harry Kane.
‘Capable’ Mason Greenwood one of the options in the attack for United says Ten Hag
Although United’s transfer plans are currently on hold due to the ongoing takeover process, Tottenham striker Harry Kane has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford. Ten Hag even admitted just a few weeks ago he was unsure how much money he had to spend on new recruits this summer.
After scoring 30 goals in the Premier League this season, Kane will enter the last 12 months of his contract and Spurs will expect at least £100 million for their talisman. However, given it has been difficult to snatch Kane away from Spurs and Daniel Levy, Ten Hag has suggested that Mason Greenwood’s return would be one possibility for United.
Ten Hag said that Greenwood “showed in the past that he is capable of doing that [scoring goals]” when asked if he could supply United with the firepower they require. The Dutchman further reiterated that it would not be his decision to consider reintegrating him. Since breaking into the first squad, Greenwood, 21, has made 129 appearances for United and has scored 35 goals.
Mason greenwood played his final game with the Red Devils in January 2022 before he was detained at his residence following a number of accusations made against him. The 21-year-old was charged with attempted rape, using coercive or controlling behaviour, and assault resulting in actual bodily injury after being freed on bail.
Greenwood was scheduled to go on trial later this year, but Greater Manchester Police (GMP) announced in February that all allegations against him had been withdrawn. However, Manchester United said through a statement that the academy graduate will not “return to training or play matches until further notice” after suspending him as a result of a pending internal investigation.
In addition to the potential alternatives of Harry Kane and Mason Greenwood for United in the upcoming campaign, Victor Osimhen of Napoli has also been constantly mentioned. He could sign a new contract to remain at Napoli, according to reports in Italy, as the defending Serie A winners try to fend off other bidders.