Mason Greenwood transfer decision cost Man Utd millions as clause confirmed

Manchester United missed a golden chance for a significant financial windfall during the summer transfer window, as details of Marseille's stance on Mason Greenwood have come to light.

The United academy product was sold to the French outfit in the summer of 2024 for a fee of £26.6 million, with a 50% sell-on clause included in the deal. Greenwood made quite an impression in his debut season with Marseille, netting 21 goals in Ligue 1 and providing six assists, sparking rumours that he might be leaving the French club.

Saudi Arabian teams were rumoured to be interested, but no move happened. He remained at Marseille, but an update on interest from clubs has now been provided.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano that potential suitors were prepared to pay a hefty fee for Greenwood over the summer, but Marseille had a firm transfer policy. The French club believed the forward was too valuable to let go, a stance shared by both club directors and manager Roberto De Zerbi.

They dismissed any interest, ensuring Greenwood stays put until at least January. The exact amount offered has not been disclosed, but it's likely to be significantly more than what Marseille initially paid for him just over a year ago.

The situation that United will be monitoring closely, given the sell-on clause in his contract. The clause stipulates that United will receive half of any transfer fee Marseille get should they decide to cash in on him in the future.

Marseille's decision not to sell in the summer has resulted in a missed opportunity for millions of pounds. The additional funds would have been beneficial as Ruben Amorim was backed in the summer window with an outlay of around £230 million on new arrivals.

Greenwood has maintained his stellar form for Marseille this season. In his 11 appearances across all competitions, he has netted seven goals and provided four assists.

He was in the starting line-up for Marseille's Champions League match against Sporting CP on Wednesday night, but was substituted at half time due to Emerson Palmieri's red card just before the break. Despite leading 1-0 at the time, Marseille ended up losing the match 2-1.