Since Manchester United's 1-0 victory over West Ham in January, MASON GREENWOOD has not appeared for the team.
Greenwood signs a new contract with Man Utd.
The defense team for Mason Greenwood is presently getting ready for the Manchester United striker's bail hearing. The England international hasn't played for the team since their 1-0 victory against West Ham in January after being detained for allegedly assaulting a woman. There is no disputing that his predicament has affected the team's transfer priorities as well, as if he were available, a new forward wouldn't be as high on their list of priorities.
Greenwood had six goals for United before being arrested in the new year.
Ralf Rangnick recognized potential in the England player and thought he could bring out the best in someone who Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had previously said would succeed at the top.
Since then, United has placed Greenwood on administrative leave; he will find out today if his bail has been increased.
In a hearing that is held in secret on Thursday, the 20-year-attorneys old's will be present.
The Sun reports that Greenwood is not actually required to be there and that the legal proceedings won't take place in open court.
The youngster's future in and out of the sport is now uncertain, thus he is unable to practice at this time and is also not available for selection.
Mason Greenwood's future at Manchester United is questionable (Image)
However, it cannot be denied that the Greenwood issue has influenced United's transfer strategy. Although it wasn't initially a top priority, they now want a new forward.
United has long been interested in Frenkie de Jong and Christian Eriksen as they want to add a midfielder this summer.
Eriksen is now a free agent after just leaving Brentford, whereas Barcelona is dragging its feet in the De Jong situation.
Rangnick said that he was looking for a new forward following Greenwood's imprisonment and Anthony Martial's loan transfer to Sevilla.
But the club refused to give him one, preferring to wait until the summer, when they believed there would be better opportunities available.
The German stated in May that "We lost three strikers, permanently."
Since January, Mason Greenwood has not appeared for Manchester United (Image)
"Since we knew Mason wouldn't be available and Anthony had already left on loan, we should have sought to sign a player in the 48 hours we had.
"We were also aware that Edinson [Cavani] might miss eight out of ten games, but we decided against doing it.
"A few were present. Luis Diaz, who is currently playing for Liverpool, Julian Alvarez, who will join Manchester City this summer, and Dusan Vlahovic, who was playing for Fiorentina at the time.
"'No' was the response, and that was all. I approached the board and urged them to at least discuss the matter, conduct an analysis, and determine whether it is possible to secure a player on a temporary or long-term basis.
"Ultimately, 'no' was the response. They might not have wanted to conduct any winter business.
"Perhaps we should have at least talked about it internally; it might be significant and required.
Ralf Rangnick was compelled by the Mason Greenwood case to consider recruiting a Man Utd striker. (Photo)
"Even though there was little notice, 48 hours is still 48 hours. It might have at least been worthwhile to attempt. But since we didn't, nothing got done.
United is aware that they need a forward now.
And when the Greenwood news initially came in January, they most definitely weren't planning on making that a priority.
The Red Devils have long wanted to improve their defensive backfield as well.
They are looking to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has had trouble maintaining consistency over the course of his three seasons at Old Trafford.
Axel Tuanzebe, Eric Bailly, and Phil Jones are considered surplus to requirements, therefore United also wants a center defender to compete with players like Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof.
Mason Greenwood has affected Erik ten Hag's transfer strategy at Man Utd (Image)
To make sure that new boss Erik ten Hag isn't underpowered, the Red Devils must now step up their attack as well.
Due to United's sixth-place result in the Premier League standings last season, they are working harder than ever in the background to ensure they can keep up with teams like Liverpool and Manchester City.
United didn't anticipate they would need another attacker just a few months ago.
Behind the scenes, it was believed that the attacking quartet of Greenwood, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho, and Marcus Rashford was more than capable.
However, as their striker on suspension is ready for the most recent twist in his case, the situation has changed.
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