Manchester United will risk five Old Trafford careers if the club agrees to sanction Mason Greenwood’s return to Erik ten Hag’s squad. The Red Devils have reportedly completed their investigation into Greenwood’s future, which could have significant implications for a handful of stars.
Express Sport explores five United players for whom the 21-year-old’s comeback would spell bad news.
Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho has enjoyed a positive pre-season for a second successive summer, playing as a winger and centrally as the false nine.
But Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial are Ten Hag’s striker options, and Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho pose tough competition on the left.
It may leave Sancho primed for more minutes on the right this term, where Antony is first-choice.
And if Greenwood is thrown into the equation, Sancho may fall further down the pecking order if he doesn’t cement his place in the team early doors.
Amad Diallo
Amad Diallo was among the most popular names on United supporters’ lips heading into pre-season.
The 21-year-old thrived on loan at Sunderland last term and looked set to challenge for a first-team berth at Old Trafford.
However, Amad suffered an injury in pre-season, making his task of breaking into Ten Hag’s plans even more difficult.
If he leaves on loan again and Greenwood is a prominent name when he returns, his career may be better placed elsewhere.
Facundo Pellistri
The same applies to Facundo Pellistri. Also a right-winger. Also 21. And he arrived in the same summer as Amad.
Pellistri has shown bright sparks during pre-season, as he did during Ten Hag’s maiden campaign, but he is expected to leave on loan in the coming weeks.
The Uruguay international is reportedly in talks over a contract extension in M16, but Greenwood’s return may force a rethink.
Joe Hugill and Charlie McNeill
With Hojlund and Martial the only natural strikers at Ten Hag’s disposal to start the season, it feels like an excellent opportunity for the next Marcus Rashford to spring onto the scene.
Joe Hugill and Charlie McNeill are best placed to make that jump after featuring in pre-season.
However, Greenwood is a similar age and would be far a more established option if he rediscovers his best form.
Both could depart on loan again this season after respective stints at Altrincham and Newport County but may return to find their paths to regular senior minutes blocked.
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