Fears of fan backlash cause Barcelona to reconsider Mason Greenwood pursuit; Atletico remain interested

Barcelona have ‘cooled’ their interest in Mason Greenwood due to his expected transfer fee along with fears of backlash from supporters, as per Times Sport.

The latter of which is believed to be the reason that Manchester United opted against reintegrating the forward back into their squad last summer. Leaks had suggested that there were plans in place for him to return in 2023/2024, but the resistance from fans led to senior figures performing a U-turn on their initial decision and announcing that the player would continue his career away from Old Trafford.

At the time, Greenwood hadn’t played a minute of competitive football since he was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in January 2022 – charges that were subsequently dropped in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew their participation from the case and new material came to light.

Such baggage has left top European clubs reluctant to take on the outcast 22-year-old, especially after watching United’s completely incompetent handling of such sensitive circumstances.

Greenwood has notched six goals and five assists in 23 La Liga appearances this term, with his form reportedly attracting interest from fellow Spanish outfits Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, though only the latter remain interested in pursuing a deal at this stage. 

Keen to recuperate a fee for their academy graduate, United are set to ask for around £43 million to sanction his exit when he returns to Manchester this summer.