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Football Digest: Analysing Man Utd's failed recruitment
Manchester United face a nightmare financial blow if they fail to offload Mason Greenwood before the summer transfer window slams shut on Friday night. The Red Devils could be left regretting confirming their decision - or U-turn - on Greenwood's future so late if he is still at Old Trafford beyond the deadline.
Earlier this month, United announced that the 21-year-old wouldn't be reintegrated into Erik ten Hag's squad after completing a six-month investigation into his January 2022 arrest.
In October of that year, Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault and coercive and controlling behaviour after the emergence of social media allegations.
The United No 11 denied all allegations, and in February this year, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges against him due to the 'withdrawal of key witnesses'.
The Athletic report that United chief executive Richard Arnold had, in fact, decided to sanction Greenwood's return before a wave of mass backlash online forced a rethink behind the scenes.
And it has left the Old Trafford giants scrambling for a resolution after vowing to help Greenwood - who they are satisfied didn't commit the acts he was charged with - find a new club to resume his football career.
According to The Sun, United face paying Greenwood around £8million to terminate his contract if they fail to act on concrete interest before 11pm on Friday.
Man Utd could lose £8m by terminating Mason Greenwood's contract. (Image: Getty)
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The former England international has already continued to earn his £75,000-a-week salary while serving a suspension for almost two years.
And he could be set to cost United significantly more if he doesn't leave in the coming days. Otherwise, his return to the pitch would be delayed until January at least.
Most of Europe's top leagues also shut their transfer windows on Friday, leaving Greenwood tight for time to secure a move.
The countries whose clubs are free to do business beyond Friday include Greece, Poland, Switzerland and Turkey.
A Middle Eastern move may also be on the table, with Qatar and Saudi Arabia's windows closing near the end of September.