MASON Greenwood’s future could be in Spain as the former United striker looks to be setting down roots in the capital.
The striker, 22, has netted four times in 11 matches since joining Getafe on loan, including a wonder strike against Almeria on Saturday.
GettyGreenwood is now playing for Getafe FC after being traded by Manchester United in September[/caption]
In what could be a major hint about where Greenwood’s future lies, the forward has a Spanish teacher.
A senior source at the club, speaking on anonymity to The Athletic, said that if Greenwood continues on his current form then the Spanish club would look to discuss his future staying in Madrid.
After coming off the bench in three of his first four games Greenwood is now a starting player.
When Greenwood first arrived at the club at the start of September he hadn’t played first-team football in 18 months.
Greenwood was taken off the United pitch after he was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, assault, and controlling and coercive behaviour in January 2022.
Greenwood denied all the charges.
Key witnesses eventually withdrew from the case and the Crown Prosecution Service announced in February 2023 it had discontinued the charges.
Manchester United then started their own internal investigation with the plan to bring Greenwood back into the team.
That investigation ended in August, but after huge fan pressure and internal backlash, Greenwood was sent to the La Liga side on a season-long loan.
A cloud hung over Greenwood and whether he would have the mental strength or physical fitness to get back to top-flight football.
Rival fans, such as those from Osasuna and Athletic Bilbao, have sledged Greenwood on the pitch with whistles and shouts of, “Greenwood, die!”
Decision-makers at Getafe don’t think he will reach peak fitness again until January, but Saturday’s screamer from the edge of the box suggests he is back on his way.
He has also begun to integrate with Spanish life and is happy in Madrid with his partner and daughter, as well as with the weather, food and house, The Athletic reports.
He is also gradually catching on to the jokes of his Spanish and Argentine teammates with the help of a Spanish teacher, the Athletic reported.
But, a spanner in the works of Greenwood’s footballing redemption could be United’s ownership drama.
With British chemical multinational INEOS buying into the storied club, they could see Greenwood as a liability and see to trade him away properly.
Greenwood’s contract at United goes for another two years, with an option to extend for another year.
But, playing away from the most intense scrutiny of the footballing press, Greenwood’s future might just again depend on how well he plays.
GettyGreenwood celebrates after scoring[/caption]
EPAGreenwood scored a screamer on Saturday from the corner of the box[/caption]