Man Utd perform transfer U-turn after announcing Mason Greenwood departure

For a while it looked as though United would bring Greenwood back into the fold, with the club confirming this in an email to staff at the start of the month.

The Red Devils have, however, since confirmed that Greenwood will resume his career in football away from Old Trafford.

And The Sun say this has sparked a U-turn at United when it comes to their transfer strategy this summer.

It's claimed that, initially, Erik ten Hag had been hoping to bring in a new midfielder.

Fred has departed, while Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek have also been linked with moves away.

But United are now keen to bring in a new striker instead to compete with Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial for a starting berth.

So far this season, Ten Hag has used Marcus Rashford in a central position.

But Rashford has struggled and the England international would prefer to play out wide instead.

Though United want a new forward, no names are mentioned by the report.

And while the club are still considering a move for Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat, there's no guarantee he'll get the transfer he wants.

Amrabat is currently training alone in Italy as he waits for a deal to be negotiated.

United need to sell first, however, and the club have struggled when it comes to shifting deadwood over the past decade.

United have also endured a slow start to the new season.

They were fortunate to beat Wolves in their opening Premier League fixture, with Raphael Varane scoring the only goal of the game.

And United were then beaten 2-0 by Tottenham on Saturday, with Pape Matar Sarr opening the scoring before an own goal from Lisandro Martinez.

As for Greenwood, the Red Devils have received interest in the striker since confirming his exit.

Clubs from Italy and Turkey are eyeing the forward, who hasn't played at a professional level since his arrest in January 2022.

Upon confirming his imminent exit from United, Greenwood released a statement denying allegations against him.

And the 21-year-old also vowed to become a better person, saying: "I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and I know people will think the worst.

"I was brought up to know that violence or abuse in any relationship is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges.

"However, I fully accept I made mistakes in my relationship, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.

"I am learning to understand my responsibilities to set a good example as a professional footballer, and I’m focused on the big responsibility of being a father, as well as a good partner.

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"Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me.

"The best decision for us all, is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club.

"I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me which is United.

"I am enormously grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support, and it is now for me to repay the trust those around me have shown.

"I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch."