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Topics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Mason Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League
Alex Brotherton
Topics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Mason Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League
Manchester United had three of the five most valuable players in the world in 2021, but one of them is now worth just €5m.
United have boasted some seriously talented players among their ranks in recent years, and they haven't been stingy when it comes to spending big on transfers either.
Yet despite that, the Old Trafford side have won just won major trophy since winning the Europa League in 2017.
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United's lack of success over the past decade is even more shocking when you consider the value of some of their stars.
According to the CIES Football Observatory, in April 2021 three United stars were among the five most valuable players on the planet.
Midfielder Bruno Fernandes was estimated to be worth €154.3 million (£132 million) 15 months after United signed him from Sporting Lisbon for £47 million.
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Marcus Rashford, who broke into United's first team in 2016 as a goal-hungry 18-year-old, was estimated to be worth €159.1 million (£137 million).
The biggest surprise looking back at the estimations though is that Mason Greenwood, another graduate of United's famed academy, was worth €178 million (£153 million).
Greenwood made his senior United debut aged 17 in early 2019, and over the following two years established himself as a key offensive weapon.
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During the 2020/21 campaign he scored 12 goals and provided six assists in 52 matches in all competitions, and was one of the hottest young talents in world football.
However, following events over the last two years, Greenwood's value has plummeted by €173 million to just €5 million.
Greenwood was suspended by United in January 2022, and in October that year was charged by the Crown Prosecution Service with attempted rape, controlling behaviour and assault.
The 21-year-old was due to stand trial in November 2023, but all criminal charges against him were dropped in February 2023 due to "the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light."
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United announced last summer that Greenwood would leave the club, and he is now spending the current campaign on loan at LaLiga side Getafe.
The attacker has impressed for the Madrid-based side, contributing five goals and four assists in 19 outings this season.