Manchester United’s ongoing rebuild under new ownership has been filled with difficult decisions, but few topics continue to divide the fanbase as sharply as the saga surrounding Mason Greenwood.
That debate has flared up once again following new reports suggesting that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe privately regrets the manner in which Greenwood was allowed to leave the club — especially now that the young forward is rediscovering top form elsewhere.
Greenwood, who departed Old Trafford without generating a transfer fee, has been experiencing a powerful resurgence.
His current goal-scoring numbers reportedly surpass Bruno Fernandes’ tally this season, and his estimated market valuation has now climbed beyond that of Wolves attacker Matheus Cunha.
This dramatic improvement has prompted many supporters to question whether Manchester United mishandled a valuable asset — both financially and from a purely footballing perspective.
According to individuals close to INEOS leadership, Ratcliffe has acknowledged internally that the club may have underestimated Greenwood’s potential sporting contribution, especially at a time when the attention surrounding his off-field issues overshadowed his on-field ability.
One insider described the atmosphere bluntly, saying, “From a football standpoint, the figures are uncomfortable to examine. There’s a sense that United failed to protect or gain value from the situation.”
THE COMPLEX BACKDROP OF GREENWOOD’S EXIT
Greenwood’s departure marked the end of a long period of uncertainty. Once hailed as one of the brightest academy products in recent club history, he drew admiration for his explosive speed, his rare two-footed finishing ability, and his natural instincts inside the box. Many experts believed he had the potential to become one of Europe’s top forwards.
But under the previous leadership structure, Manchester United approached Greenwood’s situation with extreme caution.
The decision to cut ties was ultimately driven by reputational considerations, public relations pressures, and a desire to avoid long-term instability.
Former manager Erik ten Hag supported the club’s stance and stressed that the decision was unanimous and intended to reflect United’s off-pitch principles.
Still, football has a way of revisiting old decisions especially when a player begins producing goals and strong performances elsewhere.
GREENWOOD’S RENEWED FORM AND WHY IT STINGS UNITED
Since leaving Manchester United, Greenwood has rebuilt his career with remarkable discipline. His consistent output has placed him among the more productive attackers in his league, attracting interest from multiple European clubs in need of a technically gifted forward.
Analysts highlight three elements fueling the renewed conversation:
Goal Scoring: Greenwood’s current tally is now higher than Bruno Fernandes’ total this season, intensifying debate even though they play different positions.
Rising Market Value: After leaving United with no fee attached, his valuation has multiplied rapidly, now reportedly exceeding Matheus Cunha’s.
Consistency: Greenwood is producing goals regularly again — something United still struggles to find in their current attacking lineup.
For a club that continues to search for reliability in the final third, these developments are difficult to overlook.
RATCLIFFE’S REPORTED REFLECTIONS
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has repeatedly emphasized the importance of rational, strategically sound decisions since joining the ownership structure.
Sources suggest he now views the Greenwood situation as a case study in the need to balance moral responsibility with smart asset management.
Though Ratcliffe has not issued public comments on the matter, those close to him say the lesson is clear: Manchester United must avoid losing valuable players without compensation, even during complicated circumstances.
As Greenwood’s form continues to rise, the conversation around his exit — and what United may have lost — is only likely to grow louder in the months ahead.
