- Mason Greenwood signed for Marseille from Manchester United this summer
- Greenwood scored on his home debut amid controversy surrounding his transfer
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Mason Greenwood has reportedly been labelled an ‘alien’ by a Marseille team-mate following his strong start to life in France following his controversial £27million move from Manchester United.
Greenwood earned Marseille a point on Sunday evening as the striker scored an equaliser in the 71st minute to secure a 2-2 draw against Reims.
The 22-year-old made his competitive debut for the Ligue 1 club following his summer transfer.
Thanks to his goals, Greenwood started the season with three goals in his first two games.
French newspaper The team reported on the reaction to Greenwood’s home debut, with his transfer prompting protests from fans and the club’s mayor.
Mason Greenwood has scored three goals in his first two games for Marseille
Greenwood was reportedly labelled ‘an alien’ by a Marseille teammate after his start
The striker’s number 10 shirt is reportedly one of the most popular among supporters
According to the newspaper, Greenwood’s successful start has directly helped to lift ‘the clouds that have hung over his head’ since signing for Marsille.
Greenwood’s shirt has reportedly been the most requested shirt in the club’s official store in recent weeks.
The newspaper noted that Greenwood must be consistent and that critics of his transfer to Marseille could “wake up very quickly” if he does not perform on the pitch.
The former Manchester United striker is said to have impressed his team-mates with his qualities, with one even describing him as ‘an alien’.
Greenwood moved to Marseille this summer after spending last season on loan in Spain for LaLiga club Getafe.
He had not played for Manchester United since his arrest in January 2022. He was charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour.
Greenwood strongly denied any wrongdoing and the charges and case were dropped in February 2023 when key witnesses recanted.
Marseille mayor Benoit Payan opposed Greenwood’s arrival this summer, insisting he did not want the club to be “disgraced by someone who beats his wife”.
There were also strong protests from supporters who had started the #GreenwoodNotWelcome campaign earlier in July.
#GreenwoodNotWelcome and #GreenwoodWelcome were trending online before his arrival
Greenwood’s move to Marseille has divided the city due to his controversial past
Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan publicly opposed Greenwood’s decision, calling him “a disgrace”
Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has said he will defend Greenwood as a ‘son’ and that strong performances on the pitch will ‘calm down the controversies surrounding his arrival’
Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi insisted that the club sign Greenwood despite opposition, with the Italian stating that he would continue to defend him after the forward completed his transfer.
De Zerbi said last week that the club has been impressed with Greenwood’s performance and claimed the forward has ‘incredible’ room for improvement.
“He has to keep training the way he does,” De Zerbi said.
‘We are all happy with him as a player and with his behaviour since his arrival.
‘He can still improve a lot.’