Exclusive: Abhorrent Mason Greenwood was still an asset for Man United

Although Mason Greenwood has moved on from Man United, the fact that the club have been allowed to profit from his sale is likely to leave a sour taste for many.

In every other walk of life, the alleged crimes that the 22-year-old was believed to have committed would have seen him almost certainly dismissed.

Football as an industry on the other hand seems very forgiving of all manner of misdemeanours.

Former super agent, Jon Smith, attempted to explain why the Red Devils had every right to a transfer fee for Greenwood when he spoke to CaughtOffside for his exclusive column.

Mason Greenwood still had a value for Man United

“There are 26.6m reasons why Mason Greenwood’s move from Man United to Marseille has been allowed to happen,” he said.

“He’s a major asset on the Man United balance sheet, and it’s very difficult when monies are at this level to just turn your back on that.

“Sure, if you’re a director of a public company and you make a bad comment or error of judgment, you get fired and the company loses the benefit of your services. But the company’s detriment is exactly that.

“It’s the person who loses on this occasion.

“I’ve seen and heard some of the stuff that went on with Mason Greenwood, and it was dreadful.

“His partner seems to have forgiven him, they’re having children together, and no one really knows what went on except them.

“It’s a terrible example to set, and we in the football sector are certainly focused on the fact that we are very influential, especially with younger minds.

“So I completely understand the angst, and I disapprove heartily of everything that went on. I abhor alleged partner violence.

“I’ve got nothing good to say about that, obviously, but from a cold-hearted perspective of ‘why does the football industry allow benefits to be taken by his employers?’ – it’s because he’s an asset on the balance sheet.

“Most companies don’t have people as their assets. They have hardcore assets which are either real

“Had the company, in this case Manchester United, just got rid of him, they wouldn’t have realised 26.6m in assets.

“I can understand why that’s happened bit it doesn’t support any positivity towards Mason Greenwood, it just acknowledges the reality.”

What will be interesting to see is if Marseille’s supporters decide to protest when Greenwood takes to the field for the first time wearing their shirt.

There appears to have been a big social media backlash regarding his move to the Ligue Un giants, but for Man United it’s no longer their problem.

New Marseille manager, Roberto De Zerbi, has been forthright in his stance on Greenwood, and if he does the business on the pitch for the French club, whilst keeping his nose clean off it, there’s a chance that he can put his past firmly behind him and be remembered only for the quality of his football.