Mason Greenwood to deal financial blow to Manchester United

Manchester United continue to monitor former academy stars abroad, particularly those who left Old Trafford and are now flourishing elsewhere.

Transfers, buy-back clauses, and sell-on percentages remain a significant part of the club’s long-term strategy, especially when players develop into key assets at other clubs.

European competitions often dictate contractual incentives, adding complexity to how United manage outgoing talent.

Clubs across the continent are becoming more creative with economic rights and bonus clauses, ensuring that even former United players can benefit both parties.

Mason Greenwood’s current situation is a perfect example of how these arrangements can evolve.

That evolution was outlined on Thursday by Olympique de Marseille president Pablo Longoria, who revealed the club could further increase their ownership of Greenwood’s economic rights if they qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Longoria explained, as relayed by Get French Football News: “Regarding the contractual situation, OM holds 60% of the player’s economic rights and 100% of his sporting rights, with the possibility of increasing this to 65%.

“In that case, we can add 5% for qualification to the Champions League.”

Should this trigger, Manchester United would retain 35% of Greenwood’s economic rights, down from a previous 40% after last season’s adjustment when Marseille increased their stake.

Longoria also praised Greenwood’s ongoing development under Roberto De Zerbi, highlighting both his talent and work ethic.

“We are very pleased with Mason’s progress.

“We know his talent, but the work that Roberto De Zerbi is doing with him is extraordinary,” he said, acknowledging the manager’s role in Greenwood’s resurgence.

Greenwood’s performances on the pitch certainly justify the praise.

The Englishman is currently top scorer in Ligue 1, having netted 14 goals and provided four assists across 21 appearances in all competitions this season.

His contributions have cemented him as a key figure in Marseille’s attack and demonstrate why the club would consider increasing their economic stake in him.

For Manchester United, the arrangement offers a mix of risk and reward: Mason Greenwood is proving his quality in one of Europe’s top leagues, but any increase in Marseille’s ownership reduces United’s potential financial upside.

The situation emphasises the club’s broader strategy of leveraging outgoing talents while keeping a stake in their future success, a model that continues to pay dividends when former academy products thrive on the continental stage.