Mason Greenwood, the controversial player who recently completed a £26.7 million move to Marseille from Manchester United, scored his first goal for his new club in a pre-season friendly against Pau FC, a French second-division side. After a scramble in the box, Greenwood capitalized on the opportunity and poked the ball over the opposition keeper.
Marseille had to fend off competition from several European clubs, including Lazio, to secure the signing of Greenwood. The striker had attracted interest after a successful loan spell with Getafe last season, where he scored ten goals in 36 appearances and was named the club’s Player of the Season.
Despite the completion of the deal, Marseille faced backlash from some fans who launched a #GreenwoodNotWelcome campaign. This protest stemmed from allegations of attempted rape and assault against the 22-year-old player. However, Greenwood vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and all charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service last year.
Now, Greenwood finds himself under the guidance of former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, who joined Marseille in June. De Zerbi will be responsible for harnessing Greenwood’s talent and helping him further develop as a player.
Greenwood’s journey began at Manchester United in 2019, where he made his debut and went on to score an impressive 35 goals in 129 appearances. His move to Marseille marks a significant change in his career and offers him the opportunity to prove himself in a new league and environment.
This transfer also highlights the growing trend of young English players seeking opportunities abroad. In recent years, we have seen the likes of Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka make successful moves to foreign clubs, challenging the traditional notion that English players are hesitant to venture beyond the Premier League.
It will be interesting to see how Greenwood adapts to the French league and how he can contribute to Marseille’s success. With his goal-scoring ability and potential, he has the opportunity to make a significant impact and establish himself as a key player for his new club.
Overall, Mason Greenwood’s move to Marseille represents a new chapter in his career. It offers him a fresh start and the chance to prove himself in a different setting. As he settles in with his new teammates and under the guidance of Roberto De Zerbi, all eyes will be on Greenwood to see how he flourishes in his new surroundings.