* Identify the known oxidation states:

* Oxygen (O) typically has an oxidation state of -2.

* Sulfur (S) in sulfates (SO₄²⁻) has an oxidation state of +6.

* Set up an equation: Let 'x' represent the oxidation state of Mn. The sum of the oxidation states in a neutral compound must equal zero.

* x + (+6) + 4(-2) = 0

* Solve for x:

* x + 6 - 8 = 0

* x - 2 = 0

* x = +2

Therefore, the oxidation state of Mn in MnSO₄ is +2.