How Ronaldo’s Interest in Greenwood Could Bring £31 Million to Manchester United

Introduction

Manchester United could receive a major financial boost around £31 million because of a clause in Mason Greenwood’s transfer deal. This has gained attention especially since Cristiano Ronaldo, now at Al Nassr, reportedly wants Greenwood at his club. This simple English article explains who Greenwood is, how the sell on clause works, Ronaldo’s involvement, what it means for United, potential risks, and the real circumstances behind the story.

1. Who Is Mason Greenwood?

• Early Career

Greenwood came up through Manchester United’s academy, breaking into the first team at age 17. He made 129 appearances for United, scoring 35 goals and assisting 12, before leaving in 2024 SPORTbible+7Tribuna.com+7talksport.com+7TEAMtalk+1.

• Departure and Controversy

In early 2022, Greenwood faced serious allegations and was suspended by United. By February 2023, those charges were dropped, but United launched their own internal review and decided to part ways in July 2024 WikipediaTEAMtalk.

• Loan and Permanent Transfer

Greenwood spent the 2023,24 season on loan at Getafe in La Liga, regained form, and then moved permanently to Marseille in July 2024 in a deal worth up to €31.6 million (≈ £26.6 m), which included a 50% sell on clause for United Tribuna.com+11Wikipedia+11Reddit+11.

2. Greenwood’s Resurgence in Marseille

• Impressive Form

In the 2024–25 Ligue 1 season, Greenwood scored 21 goals and added 6 assists in 34 matches, helping Marseille secure Champions League qualification. He finished as joint top scorer in the league footballtransfers.com+15Wikipedia+15azscore.com+15.

• Interest from Top Clubs

His strong performance attracted interest from European giants such as PSG, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and even Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia Tribuna.com+1.

3. What Is the Sell On Clause? How Could United Get ≈ £31 m?

• Clause Terms

When United sold Greenwood to Marseille, they included a 50% sell on clause meaning United receives half of any future profit from his next sale Khel Now+10Reddit+10talksport.com+10.

• Potential Earnings

PSG reportedly offered €75m (≈ £62m). If accepted, the profit would be around €48.4m (after subtracting the initial €31.6m fee) so United would earn ≈ €24m (~£20–30m). Some reports suggest further triggers could push United’s share closer to £31m Tribuna.comSportscasting | Pure Sports.

• Other Parties Involved

Earlier loan clauses (e.g. Getafe) may entitle them to 20 ,40% of future transfer profits—reducing United’s actual net gains to somewhere between £16,£24m, depending on exact terms TEAMtalk+1Khel Now.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Role: Wanting Greenwood at Al Nassr

• Personal Backing

On 4 August 2025, media reported that Ronaldo personally supports a move for Greenwood to Al Nassr, seeing him as a key signing to build a title-winning squad. Greenwood reportedly has Ronaldo’s endorsement Khel Now+5Tribuna.com+5azscore.com+5.

• Ronaldo’s Influence

Ronaldo helped bring in João Félix and has been actively shaping Al Nassr’s recruitment strategy. Now, Greenwood is described as his “top pick” for attack recruitment azscore.com.

Possible Match Reunion

Greenwood and Ronaldo were teammates at United during the 2021 22 season. Their previous connection may influence Greenwood’s decision amid offers from Al Nassr and European clubs Foot AfricaSPORTbible.

5. Why This Matters for Manchester United

Financial Impact

• Vital Funding Opportunity

United are under financial scrutiny and seeking funds to meet financial fair play rules. A successful sale generating around £20,30m would be a welcome upgrade to their budget under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership TEAMtalktalksport.com.

Sporting & Reputation Considerations

• Talent and Image

Losing Greenwood permanently closes the chapter on potentially reintegrating a homegrown talent whose career was derailed but his resurgence shows his ability. United must use the windfall wisely in recruitment and image rebuilding TEAMtalkSportscasting | Pure Sports.

6. Potential Risks & Challenges

• Marseille’s Resistance

Marseille’s sporting director, Mehdi Benatia, has stated Greenwood is "not for sale" and is considered a key player for their next season Sportscasting | Pure Sportsaftonbladet.se.

• Player’s Decision

Greenwood has previously turned down moves to Saudi Arabia and may choose to remain in Europe for sporting ambitions even with Ronaldo’s backing Tribuna.com.

• Changing Form

His high output this past season was impressive, but success in future leagues or clubs depends on consistency. Any dip in form could scuttle a big-money deal Sportscasting | Pure Sports

Conclusion

If Mason Greenwood is sold from Marseille for around €75 million (≈ £60–62m), Manchester United could earn up to £30–31 million through their 50% sell on clause. Cristiano Ronaldo’s strong backing via Al Nassr adds a new dimension to the transfer saga. Yet, Marseille’s firm stance that he is not for sale, Greenwood’s own career preferences, and existing contractual splits with prior clubs mean a sale is still uncertain. For United, it’s a potential windfall but only if the right buyer, player decision, and club cooperation align.