Former Man Utd player claims Mason Greenwood would have 'instant impact' if he returned to Old Trafford

Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has claimed that Mason Greenwood would make an 'instant impact' if he is allowed to return to Old Trafford - but added that a decision to allow him to return is 'such a difficult one'.

Greenwood is currently on a season-long loan at La Liga side Getafe.

He joined the Spanish club on deadline day in August after an internal investigation conducted by United concluded that the forward would leave Old Trafford by mutual consent.

Greenwood hasn't played for United since January 2022, before he was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault.

In October 2022, he was charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The charges were discontinued last February. In a statement, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that 'a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction'.

Speaking to The Athletic last week, new United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe - who is now in charge of the footballing operations at Old Trafford - stated that the club will make a 'fresh decision' on Greenwood's future.

Getty

The INEOS chief revealed that the process would be 'on the basis of values', and added that the club need to 'understand the real effects, not the hype'.

In an interview with Gambling.com, ex-United defender Parker, who played 105 games for the club between 1991 and 1996, was asked about the potential prospect of Greenwood being allowed to return to Old Trafford, and what it would mean for the club.

He said: "From a football point of view, it would save the club fortunes. Because he would make an instant impact. He would be, excusing [Rasmus] Hojlund, the best front player they've got.

"You put him on one of those sides of the pitch, the wide areas, and he could do more in 90 minutes than what anyone else has in a season and a half - it's as simple as that.

"He would play and give everything. It's such a difficult one."