Man Utd deal now ‘in doubt’ as Greenwood decision sees Red Devils ‘change transfer strategy’

Manchester United could ditch their attempts to sign Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat after deciding to part ways with Mason Greenwood, according to reports.

The Red Devils have been after another midfielder for much of the summer and their opening two Premier League defeats highlighted their need for reinforcements in that area of the pitch.

Fiorentina’s Amrabat has been heavily linked all summer and is understood to be their main target in that position – but Man Utd are yet to lodge a formal bid for the Morocco international.

And now The Sun claim that the Red Devils could ‘change transfer strategy’ away from buying Amrabat – with that deal ‘in doubt’ – and look at a striker instead, after they decided Greenwood will leave Old Trafford.

The 21-year-old has been suspended by the club since January 30, 2022 over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online.

Greenwood was facing charges including attempted rape and assault until the Crown Prosecution Service announced six and a half months ago that the case had been discontinued.

READ MORE: Mason Greenwood has helped the sportswashers by distracting football fans

The forward remained suspended by United throughout that period and the club announced on Monday it had been mutually agreed he would leave following an internal investigation.

Man Utd are working with Greenwood’s family to help find the right move and it’s understood that the club have received multiple expressions of interest in the young forward.

The Sun add that Man Utd are ‘still weighing up a deal’ for Amrabat but Erik ten Hag’s ‘main transfer target is a striker, following United’s decision to axe Mason Greenwood’.

With Man Utd interest in Amrabat well known, Fiorentina director Daniele Prade hinted last week that the Red Devils might not currently be able to bid for him.

Prade said: “The situation is clear, he wants to join a top club and we want to satisfy him.

“But if we receive no offers, he will stay with us. We don’t have a player like him in the team.”

Man Utd have started the season with Marcus Rashford up front but former defender Paul Parker has been less than impressed with the England international’s performances.

Parker told InsideSport.in: “Wide players should be looking at 10+ goals. Especially someone that’s done what he did last season.

“With Marcus Rashford he can score goals but people that watch people without rose tinted glasses know he doesn’t do enough when he’s got the ball. He gives it away cheaply.

“Tries to go into the cul de sac with so many parked cars in it. And when he loses the ball he does one or two things. He falls down and holds any part of his body or we just walks back.

“I just want people to watch the game and see. I’m surprised the manager hasn’t said anything. It’s the modern footballer now.

“Not one of his team mates has pointed the finger at him and questioned him when he loses the ball. That’s when you need your captain to speak to him when he’s ambling back.

“If you give Marcus Rashford the ball, he may create something 1/10 times. I could have said 20. I didn’t see a successful dribble from Rashford against Wolves.”