Mason Greenwood makes feelings clear on Man Utd future after ‘phone call’

Manchester United ace Mason Greenwood doesn’t believe he’ll be offered a fresh start at Old Trafford, according to reports. But the forward has been handed a lifeline by former boss Jose Mourinho, with the Portuguese manager ready to take Greenwood to Roma on loan according to reports.

Greenwood last appeared for United during a Premier League clash with West Ham in January 2022. But he was then charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault.

Those charges were ultimately dropped in February, with the Crown Prosecution Service saying “the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction”.

United are yet to bring Greenwood back into the frame after launching their own internal investigation into events to decide his future. The 13-time Premier League champions are determining whether the 21-year-old will ever play at the Theatre of Dreams again.

There have been some suggestions he could resume his United career but will first spend a season out on loan first and a move to Italy could be on the cards if that is the case.

According to The Sun, Mourinho has contacted Greenwood to offer him a second chance if his current employers opt to ship him out on loan or even cancel his contract altogether.

And a source told the publication: “Jose rang Mason’s dad and also spoke with Mason. He told him the best way out of his current situation is to start playing football – and that eventually all the hassle will fade away.

“Mason was pleased that he got in touch and it has lifted his spirits. He wants to get back playing and is just waiting for United to tell him what the future holds.”

Mourinho has a bond with Greenwood after selecting the forward to go on United’s 2018 pre-season tour of the USA at the age of just 16. But the ex-Chelsea and Tottenham boss could face a battle to secure Greenwood’s signature as Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan are also said to be interested in landing him.

Greenwood made his United first-team debut under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a late substitute during his team’s second-leg comeback victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 of the Champions League in March 2019. And he then came off the bench against Arsenal in the Premier League just days later.

The youngster has gone on to bag 35 goals and 12 assists in 129 appearances for the Red Devils and also won a sole England cap during a Nations League clash with Iceland in September 2020. But Greenwood now believes a fresh start at United is unlikely.