Man Utd Transfer News: Greenwood to leave, Ten Hag eyes Gravenberch, Varane wanted by Saudi Arabia

Suraj Radia

22 Aug 2023 04:30 BST
4 min read

Mason Greenwood has been released by mutual consent by Man Utd — © ProShots

Manchester United have announced that Mason Greenwood will leave the club following an internal investigation into his criminal proceedings last year.

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The 21-year-old has not played for United since being suspended after his arrest on suspicion of rape and assault in January 2022, although the case was dropped earlier this year after key witnesses withdrew from the investigation.

United released a statement upon the conclusion of their inquiry confirming that it would be ‘most appropriate’ for Greenwood to continue his career ‘away from Old Trafford’.

“All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United,” a statement read.

“Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged.

“That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.”

Gravenberch targeted after Bayern consider exit

United could make a formal approach for Ryan Gravenberch after Bayern Munich relaxed their stance over allowing the midfielder to depart this summer.

Gravenberch was a target for Liverpool earlier in the window but Bayern were reluctant to sanction the 21-year-old to leave, however Sky Sports claim they are now open to a move.

United have turned their attention to Gravenberch after being priced out of a transfer for Sofyan Amrabat, although they can only afford to sign the Bayern man on a loan deal.

© ProShots - Ryan Gravenberch could reunite with Erik ten Hag at Man Utd

United set to sell Henderson and sign replacement

United are also set to reshuffle their goalkeeping options, with Dean Henderson in talks to join Crystal Palace, who lead Nottingham Forest to sign the England international.

Erik ten Hag will target a replacement for Henderson upon his departure, with Benfica’s Odysseas Vlachodimos understood to be the first choice, having gone on strike as he looks to leave the Portuguese side.

Henderson was on the bench for United’s opening two games, with Andre Onana starting, but the 26-year-old is understood to have no long-term future at Old Trafford.

© ProShots - Dean Henderson is set to leave Old Trafford

Raphael Varane wanted by Saudi Arabia

Raphael Varane is understood to be the subject of an approach from Saudi Arabia over a transfer, with Al-Ittihad thought to be in ‘preliminary talks’ to sign the Frenchman.

United would reluctant to let the defender leave but their resolve could be tested with a big-money bid, which could be in excess of €40 million.

© ProShots - Raphael Varane is wanted by Saudi Arabia

Ten Hag gives ‘green light’ to Verratti transfer

Erik ten Hag has reportedly given the ‘green light’ for Man Utd to sign Marco Verratti this summer, with the Italian expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain.

United are desperate to sign a midfielder before the transfer window closes and Verratti is understood to be one of the names under consideration after seeing a move for Sofyan Amrabat stall.