Man Utd include unexpected clause in Mason Greenwood’s Marseille contract

Manchester United have inserted a buy-back clause in Mason Greenwood's transfer to Marseille, although the prospect of it being activated in the future is considered 'very low'.

The 22-year-old forward has joined Roberto De Zerbi's side in a deal worth £26.7 million plus 'a large share' of any future sale.

Greenwood, who has signed a five-year deal at the Stade Velodrome, was suspended by Manchester United in January 2022 after being arrested on suspicion of rape and assault.

All charges against Greenwood were dropped after key witnesses withdrew their involvement and "new material came to light". The player denied all allegations.

After spending last season on loan in La Liga with Getafe, where he scored 10 goals in 36 appearances, the striker will now join up with his new teammates for pre-season.

Since the move was announced last week, The Telegraph have provided further details on Greenwood's Old Trafford departure, including United's decision to include a buy-back option.

The report states that it is 'fairly routine' to include such a clause when it comes to the sale of academy graduates or young talent but it may be seen as a questionable call given the player's history.

However, there is 'no expectation or intention of Greenwood coming back in the future' and the prospect of it happening is considered 'very low'.

As well as the buy-back element of the deal, United also included a 50 per cent sell on clause.

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During his first press conference as a Marseille player, Greenwood was asked about his past. “I understand the questions, I don't want to talk about it too much or get into debates and controversies," he said.

“I already spoke about it on Thursday with the supporters and I spoke about it last season. I want to move forward, I want to be part of Olympique de Marseille.”

Greenwood continued: “My intention is really to concentrate on the football part. The staff and players told me about the foundation, associations and hospital visits and like the other players I will participate in these initiatives.

“This season I will try to play well for Marseille, at the Velodrome in front of fantastic fans. I have been waiting for this for a while and I can't wait to play in front of this crowd. For the moment I am focused on what I have to do with my club.”

Marseille president Pablo Longoria added: “I respect everyone’s opinion. But I am not here to get into controversy. We are talking about the past. It is a complex and old situation.

“It is time to talk about the future. As president I will support Mason to help him achieve the club’s objectives. I will help him as a player and as a man. He has all the values that we want to develop in the club like all his team-mates who are here and those who will arrive.”

Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi previously said he would not prejudge Greenwood if he decided to join the French club.