At Manchester United, Erik ten Hag desired to keep Mason Greenwood.

Due to Manchester United’s offensive deficiencies from the previous campaign—Marcus Rashford not included—Erik ten Hag decided to prioritize bringing in a striker during the summer transfer window. However, the Dutchman’s struggles to score goals have crept into the current campaign, casting doubt on his Mason Greenwood attitude.

Expectations were high for the 2023–2024 season. Aside from the turmoil surrounding Greenwood and the abortive pursuit of Harry Kane, Ten Hag seemed to have a potent offensive department at his disposal.

After a season of record-breaking success, Rashford inked a new long-term deal worth £400,000 a week.

Rasmus Hojlund, meanwhile, signed a £72 million contract to join United from Atalanta, making him the most expensive striker in United’s history.

After a fruitful loan at Sunderland, Amad Diallo had returned, and there was also less competition for Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Facundo Pellistri to have successful seasons.

Nevertheless, United still lacks goals. Just 13 goals have been scored by Ten Hag’s team in their first nine games in all competitions. That’s seven Premier League games in a row.

It may explain why Ten Hag was allegedly eager for United to re-incorporate Greenwood into his team prior to the club’s first decision being reversed due to external pressure.

It was said that Richard Arnold, the chief executive of United, told the team’s employees that Greenwood was expected to rejoin the fight at the beginning of the season.

But a large portion of the online fan base as well as domestic violence charity expressed strong criticism of the disclosed information.

In January 2022, Greenwood was placed under arrest following accusations that surfaced on social media through voice notes, videos, and photographs. The forward, 21, vehemently denied any misconduct.

Despite being accused of attempted rape, violence, and using coercive and controlling behavior, he persisted in claiming his innocence.

Following a six-month investigation into Greenwood’s future, during which time United allegedly made the decision to give Greenwood another opportunity to resume his career at Old Trafford, charges were dismissed in February of this year.

Following the U-turn, Arnold declared that he would assist Greenwood in pursuing his career elsewhere because he was confident that the claims made against him were unfounded.

After being loaned to La Liga team Getafe on deadline day, he has made four appearances without scoring – three as a substitute and one as a starter.

Ten Hag has the attacking instinct that Greenwood displayed prior to his suspension since Rashford is out of sorts, Hojlund is still getting used to his new role, and Jadon Sancho and Antony were sidelined for a significant portion of the first half of the season.

Given that he will still be under contract past the summer of 2020, the former United No. 11 might put the club’s resolve to the test if he finds his best form again and continues to rise this season in Spain.