The Potential Return of Mason Greenwood to Manchester United: What Could the Future Hold?
Manchester United is reportedly contemplating a move to bring Mason Greenwood back to the club from Marseille, where he has been a standout performer. With a buy-back option in place, the Red Devils could potentially secure the services of the talented forward once again. Greenwood's impressive goal-scoring record and glowing praise from Marseille's manager have only fueled the speculation surrounding his future.

Manchester United have reportedly held internal discussions regarding the possibility of bringing Mason Greenwood back to the club from French side Marseille. The forward was sold to the Ligue 1 side in 2024 but the Red Devils included a buy-back clause in the transfer. Greenwood has gone on to become a key player for Robert De Zerbi's side which has sparked speculation he could move on.Greenwood scored 21 Ligue 1 goals in his first season at Marseille to finish top of the standings alongside Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele. The 24-year-old has continued in the same vein in the current campaign. He has 12 goals from 18 outings in the French top flight and tops Ligue 1's goalscoring charts ahead of Strasbourg's Joaquin Panichelli. Greenwood also bagged a hat-trick earlier this month in Marseille's 9-0 win over Bayern in the Coupe de France round of 16 and has been tipped to be a future Ballon d'Or winner by De Zerbi. He said: "I see him every day, he has a huge potential. I don't see any other players in Europe at the same level. He has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or. It will be up to him to decide whether he wants to do everything he can to fight for it or not. At the level of the qualities that nature has given him, that his parents have given him, I think he is worthy of the Ballon d'Or. I would like him to be more consistent. I know he needs to press with more intensity, he needs to manage the ball better when the team is in trouble, not lose the ball easily but keep it to allow the team to move up because he has the ability to do it."Greenwood came through Manchester United's academy and into the first team but was suspended in January 2022 after being arrested on charges suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive behaviour. The charges were subsequently discontinued after key witnesses withdrew their involvement and new material came to light but Greenwood went on to leave Old Trafford in July 2024. According to Football Insider, Manchester United have spoken about activating the buy-back clause in Greenwood's contract which would allow the Red Devils to bring the forward back for less than his market value. There's no word yet on whether Manchester United have a made a decision on Greenwood, but the club are not expected to strengthen in the January window and would rather wait until the summer to conduct any transfers. The departure of Ruben Amorim, and arrival of Michael Carrick as caretaker boss, has affected the club's transfer plans as well as the return from AFCON of Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui. Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Marseille president Pablo Longoria has revealed that the club can increase their ownership of Greenwood's economic rights if they qualify for the Champions League again. Manchester United also hold a sell-on percentage which will be reduced to 35% should Marseille secure their place in Europe's premier club competition again Longoria told a news conference at the end of 2025: “Regarding the contractual situation, OM holds 60% of the player’s economic rights and 100% of his sporting rights, with the possibility of increasing this to 65%. In that case, we can add 5% for qualification to the Champions League. Longoria also showered the forwad with praise: "We are very pleased with Mason’s progress. We know his talent, but the work that Roberto De Zerbi is doing with him is extraordinary.“ Marseille currently sit in third place in the Ligue 1 table, five points behind Lens in second.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingGreenwood has also been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League as well Spanish giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid during his time at Marseille and speculation over his future is likely to continue if he maintains his prolific form for De Zerbi's side. The attacker is currently contracted to Marseille until 2029.
The Rise of Mason Greenwood at Marseille
Since his departure from Manchester United to Marseille, Mason Greenwood has flourished in Ligue 1, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess and earning accolades for his performances. Scoring 21 goals in his debut season, the forward has continued to impress, leading the goalscoring charts and drawing comparisons to some of Europe's top talents. His potential has even prompted suggestions of future Ballon d'Or success.
Manchester United's Potential Move to Activate the Buy-Back Clause
Reports suggest that Manchester United have internally discussed the option of exercising the buy-back clause in Greenwood's contract, enabling them to re-sign the player for a fee potentially lower than his market value. While no decision has been made yet, the Red Devils are expected to monitor the situation closely and could look to strengthen their squad in the upcoming transfer windows.
Factors Influencing the Transfer Decision
Manchester United's transfer plans have been impacted by changes in management, with the departure of Ruben Amorim and the interim appointment of Michael Carrick affecting the club's strategy. Additionally, the return of players from AFCON and the club's stance on January transfers will play a role in determining the timing of any potential move for Greenwood. The club's sell-on percentage and Marseille's plans to increase their ownership further add complexity to the situation.
Speculation and Interest from Other Clubs
Greenwood's exceptional form at Marseille has not gone unnoticed, with interest from other clubs, including those in the Saudi Pro League and La Liga. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have been linked with the forward, further fueling speculation about his future. With his contract running until 2029, the 24-year-old's next move could have significant implications for his career trajectory.
The Path Ahead for Mason Greenwood
As Mason Greenwood continues to shine at Marseille, the decision regarding his future rests on multiple factors, including Manchester United's intentions, Greenwood's own aspirations, and potential interest from other clubs. Whether a return to Old Trafford materializes or a new chapter unfolds for the talented forward, the football world will undoubtedly be watching closely to see where Greenwood's journey takes him next.




