- Mason Greenwood left Man United for Marseille this summer for a fee of £27million
- It took less than three minutes for him to score his first competitive goal in France
- LISTEN NOW: It’s all about to begin! available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday
Mason Greenwood has scored his first goal in France after moving to Marseille this summer.
The former Manchester United forward needed just three minutes to extend his lead in Marseille’s season opener against Brest.
The former Old Trafford outsider was the first signing under former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi – who also joined the club this summer after leaving Brighton following their final game of the 2023-24 season – and he repaid the faith by making it 1-0.
Marseille quickly launched an attack down the right and Greenwood made a quick run before firing the ball low into the bottom corner.
Since Greenwood moved to France, all eyes have been on him.
Mason Greenwood needed just three minutes to score his first league goal since joining Marseille
The young striker held his ear to celebrate putting the team 1-0 up in the away match against Brest
Greenwood spent last season on loan at LaLiga club Getafe in Spain and had not played for Manchester United since his arrest in January 2022.
He was subsequently 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.
De Zerbi insisted that Marseille sign Greenwood, despite protests from fans and even vocal opposition from the French city’s mayor.
Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan opposed the signing, saying he did not want the club to be “disgraced by someone who beat his wife”.
Greenwood was accused of rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour. He always denied these allegations and the charges were later dropped when key witnesses recanted
There were also strong protests from supporters who had started the #GreenwoodNotWelcome campaign earlier in July.
However, Zerbi told The team: ‘Greenwood is the first player I called. I spoke to his father, who is probably the same age as me.
‘I warned him about the demands of this club and said: “Marseille in Marseille”.
‘He replied: “I remember the historic Marseille that played in the European Cup final”.’
Despite protests from some fans against the player, De Zerbi said he would continue to defend him.
His move to Marseille was met with much opposition, including from the mayor of Marseille
He said: ‘I’ve always said that if a player becomes my player, I’ll be the first to push him against the wall if he makes a mistake.
“But outwardly I will always defend him, as I would defend my son.”