Mason Greenwood makes an instant impact within three minutes of his Marseille debut following his summer move from Manchester United
Mason Greenwood began his career away from Manchester United by scoring twice on his debut for his new club, Marseille.
The striker needed just three minutes to open his account for the French club, and he hopes his quick start in Ligue 1 will help him win over some fans who were unhappy with his performance. His arrival.
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Green forestThe move from Old Trafford this summer sparked a negative reaction from a section of the club. Marseilles support, as well as the mayor of the city.
The 22-year-old has spent the last year rebuilding his life and career, having gone from potential superstar to being suspended by United following his arrest on suspicion of rape, assault and threats to kill in January 2022.
These charges were eventually dropped in February 2023, but following an internal investigation into the striker's conduct it was decided it would be best for Greenwood to “continue his career away from Old Trafford”.
The striker spent last season on loan at Getafescoring ten goals and six assists in 36 games with the Spanish club.
He was linked with a return to Spain on a permanent transfer this summer but Marseille, now managed by former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi – agreed a deal worth £26.7m (€30m), with United including a sizeable buy-back clause.
The deal angered some of the French club's fans, with the mayor of Marseille urging the club to reconsider and back out of the transfer, telling French media: “I don't want my club to be covered in shame.”
Despite protests, club officials went ahead with the move and gave Greenwood the number 10 shirt.
And it appears the footballing decision has paid off for them as Greenwood was quick to make an impact on the pitch in Saturday's season opener against Brest.
The Englishman burst down the right flank, ran into the area with the ball and sent a powerful shot into the bottom left corner of the net with just three minutes remaining.
He then scored again from the penalty spot for his debut with two goals in the 30th minute as Marseille went into the break with a 3-1 lead.
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In addition to Greenwood, it was also a good start to the season for De Zerbi, who accepted the job at the French club after his Brighton's shocking exit at the end of last season, citing 'unfair things'.
The manager recently spoke out on the decision to sign Greenwood and clarified previous comments made to French media that he had no idea about the striker's past.
He also revealed the warning he gave the player following Greenwood's arrival this summer.
“I didn't defend him,” De Zerbi told L'Equipe. “I said that when a player becomes my player, I'm the first to put him against the wall if he makes a mistake.
“But as far as the outside world is concerned, I will always defend him as I would defend my son.
“The personal question does not enter into my reasoning, I know what Pablo Longoria (president of Marseille) did before, all the information he collected on Greenwood.
“The club took all precautions before making the decision.
“I spoke to his father, who must be my age. I warned him about the club’s demands, saying: ‘OM is OM’, and he replied: ‘Remember the historic Marseille, who played in the European Cup final’.”
