Manchester United’s summer rebuild may not be finished just yet. Even after Bryan Mbeumo’s explosive start to life at Old Trafford, reports from Spain claim the club are preparing a £87 million offer for Mason Greenwood, the former academy star now shining in France with Marseille.
Greenwood has been in electric form this season, recording 11 goal contributions across all competitions — six goals and three assists in Ligue 1, plus two more in the Champions League. His resurgence has reportedly alerted INEOS, who believe he could add further cutting edge to Ruben Amorim’s improving side. But any approach for the 24-year-old would come with significant controversy attached following his departure in June 2023.
Mbeumo Sets the Standard Under Amorim
Not many players have settled into life at Old Trafford as seamlessly as Bryan Mbeumo. He arrived after scoring 20 Premier League goals for Brentford and has already justified his £70 million fee. His early strike in United’s 2-1 win at Anfield — coolly beating Giorgi Mamardashvili after just over a minute — summed up the confidence that has made him an instant fan favourite.
Amorim’s move to a fluid, pressing front three has amplified Mbeumo’s directness. Alongside him, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha have started to find their feet providing pace, power and intelligent movement. United’s attack is at last in balance, and the manager seems — at last, with his third season clocking in — to have a rhythm that favors high intensity and fast breaks.
Ambitions at Old Trafford, however, are still sky high. INEOS are determined to ensure United never stand still, and Greenwood’s revival has placed him firmly back on the radar. The Spanish reports suggest Marseille could cash in for the right offer, especially as United retain a 50 percent sell-on clause, effectively cutting their real cost in half. The deal, if pursued, would likely unfold closer to next summer’s window.
Greenwood’s Numbers Impress, But Risks Remain
On the field, Greenwood has been quite phenomenal. Reborn in Ligue 1, he has reintroduced the snappy finishing and ambipedal technique that once poised him as one of Europe’s most promising forwards. Hitting double figures for goals and assists from either wing, he has been competitive in league and on the continent.
But a potential return would split opinion. Greenwood left in 2023 after grave controversy, and although the club eventually permitted him to pursue his career elsewhere, a return might be to spark unwanted headlines. For Amorim, meanwhile, who is reinspiring the dressing-room atmosphere quietly, the move would be to risk disturbing harmony he has built so carefully.
Many fans urge United to invest in youth and fresh potential instead, with targets like Real Madrid’s Endrick already linked to a possible January loan move. With Mbeumo, Sesko and Cunha all performing, adding Greenwood might appear an unnecessary gamble when the team is finally stable and improving.
Author’s View: Keep Moving Forward, Not Backward
Mason Greenwood’s resurgence is a tribute to his raw talent but Manchester United need to marry sentiment with progress. Amorim has fashioned a hungry, disciplined team that at last plays with direction. Returning Greenwood would upstage that progress and split fans at the moment when togetherness is most important.
The wiser approach is to maintain belief in the existing attacking three, foster their chemistry, and aim for forward-thinking additions instead of revisiting a dramatic chapter. Mbeumo’s influence has already shown old trafford that they can sign elite talent without trouble — and he’s performing on the grandest stages.
If the £87 million earmarked for Greenwood does exist, it should be redirected toward strengthening areas of real need — midfield depth, defensive cover, or a young striker for the future. Manchester United’s revival is finally gathering pace; now is the moment to look forward, not back.
