Mason Greenwood’s time at Marseille has been marked by controversy and tension, despite his undeniable talent on the field. Fans of the French club have voiced their displeasure with the former Manchester United forward, raising concerns about his attitude and overall contribution to the team.
The discontent reached a peak after Marseille’s 5-1 victory over Montpellier, where the forward was the subject of criticism despite the comprehensive win. Greenwood, who has had a roller-coaster journey since leaving Manchester United, has come under heavy scrutiny for what many perceive as a lack of effort in his performances. The frustration boiled over when fans unfurled a banner before the match demanding more from both Greenwood and his teammate Luis Henrique, reading: “Greenwood, Henrique, get moving!!!”
The banner was a clear sign of the dissatisfaction with Greenwood’s work rate, which had already been questioned by Marseille’s head coach, Roberto De Zerbi. De Zerbi had previously dropped Greenwood from the starting lineup, citing the forward’s inability to meet the intense physical demands required of him in the team. While Greenwood has shown glimpses of his potential, with an impressive tally of 18 goals in Ligue 1, which places him just behind PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé in the scoring charts, his effort level has raised concerns.
De Zerbi has been open about his challenges in managing Greenwood, stating that the young forward was struggling to adapt to the intense workload of a top-tier league. However, the coach has also expressed support for Greenwood, recognizing his natural talent and promising potential. “Greenwood is a natural talent. All the credit goes to his mother and father. And I’m here to help him become more complete,” De Zerbi remarked. Despite the criticism, Greenwood did manage to silence some of his doubters in the 5-1 rout, scoring twice, and further cementing his place among the league’s top scorers.
Greenwood’s journey to Marseille was not without controversy. The forward’s departure from Manchester United in the summer of 2023 followed his arrest in January 2022 on charges of attempted rape, assault, and controlling and coercive behavior. While the charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service due to the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material emerging, the incident left a stain on his reputation. Greenwood has consistently denied the allegations, but the stigma of the case followed him throughout his career.
Before his loan move to Marseille, Greenwood spent a season with Getafe in Spain, where he showed glimpses of his former self, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists. However, his move to France was met with backlash from some Marseille fans, who were vocal in their opposition to his signing. A #GreenwoodNotWelcome campaign emerged in response to his potential arrival, further adding to the tension surrounding his move.
Despite the fan protests, Greenwood pressed on with his career, and his decision to switch his international allegiance from England to Jamaica only added another layer of complexity to his personal and professional journey. While his goalscoring form in France has been solid, the question remains whether he can truly fulfill his potential and win over the skeptical fans who continue to question his commitment.
In summary, while Mason Greenwood’s time at Marseille has been marked by both flashes of brilliance and ongoing scrutiny, the jury is still out on whether he can fully integrate into the team and win the support of the club’s passionate fanbase. His future at the club is uncertain, with many hoping that the talented forward can overcome the hurdles of his past and live up to the expectations placed upon him.
