MASON GREENWOOD remains English football’s biggest outcast — but, unpalatable as it may be, he is regarded as a hero here in Marseille.
The forward, 24, faces Premier League opposition for the first time in a competitive match since being shunned by Manchester United 16 months ago when Newcastle visit tonight.
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Mason Greenwood will be hoping to continue his rich vein of form against NewcastleCredit: AFP
Greenwood is now playing the best football of his career — netting his tenth and 11th goals of the season in Friday’s 5-1 victory at Nice.
So tonight’s Champions League clash would normally be the perfect place for him to catch England manager Thomas Tuchel’s eye.
Despite recently snubbing Jamaica in the optimistic hope of earning a Three Lions reprieve, Greenwood stands little chance of getting an England World Cup call.
But while the scandal which led to his Old Trafford exit still hangs over him on our shores, the feeling around these parts is very different.
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Greenwood ended his 17-year spell at Old Trafford in July 2024.
It came after charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against him — which he denied — were dropped.
And Marseille fans are enjoying every second of watching Greenwood, who has 33 goals in 52 games since his arrival in southern France.
As fellow United academy graduate Angel Gomes noted yesterday: “That’s down to the environment here.
“He’s loved by everyone, he’s just such a really nice guy. He works really hard.
“Obviously I’ve known him since I was young, so I probably know him best. But if you were to ask any players and staff around, he is someone that really keeps himself to himself.
“When he’s on the pitch, he enjoys himself and when it’s like that as a team-mate, it’s easier.
“But also as a friend, it’s nice and happy to see.”
Asked if he deserved an England recall, fellow international Gomes added: “I’ve not spoken to Mason about what he wants to do.
“We speak about Call of Duty, FIFA and football — we don’t speak about his goals and what he wants to do.”
Greenwood looked destined to be United’s next golden boy after graduating from the academy before bursting on to the scene.
Manchester United’ academy graduates Angel Gomes and Mason Greenwood are both thriving in FranceCredit: Reuters
Ex-Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer handed him his debut, aged 17, in 2019 and he scored 32 goals before his 20th birthday.
Only legends Norman Whiteside (39) and George Best (37) bagged more as teenagers for the club.
An England debut arrived at just 18, with his one and only cap coming away to Iceland in September 2020.
Yet it was overshadowed by him and Phil Foden being booted out of the squad and sent home for breaking Covid rules after leaving the team hotel.
Phil Foden (left) and Mason Greenwood both fell foul while on England duty in 2020Credit: PA
Manchester’s other gem — City’s Foden — bounced back from that low point.
Yet for forward Greenwood, events that happened afterwards still make him an absolute no-go for England and Prem teams alike.
It was at the start of 2022, everything changed.
The charges against him were dropped eventually — however the response from United fans was so fierce when it emerged then-boss Erik ten Hag was considering bringing him back from a club suspension, it was clear he could never play for them again.
Following a season-long loan in Spain with Getafe, Ligue 1 giants Marseille offered him a career lifeline.
Despite an initial backlash from fans, Greenwood is repaying every penny of the £26.6million fee they forked out for him under boss Roberto De Zerbi.
Mason Greenwood is thriving under Roberto De Zerbi at MarseilleCredit: Getty
Alex Delmouly grew up in Marseille and has followed them since 1989.
Now living in London, he is part of the UKOM fan club and is a regular on The Marseille View podcast.
He told SunSport: “The story hasn’t been as big in France as it has been in the UK but, with the internet, people can read.
“There was a bit of unhappiness from some of our fans, especially on social media.
“He and his partner have recently had another daughter and have said they just want to move on with their lives. So the fans have accepted that.
Greenwood is wanted by both Barcelona and Atletico MadridCredit: Reuters
“On top of that, he’s been so good on the pitch that we kind of put it aside.”
Greenwood’s 21 goals last term saw him finish joint-top scorer in France alongside Paris Saint- Germain superstar Ousmane Dembele.
And that double in Friday’s demolition of rivals Nice was the perfect preparation for his big night against Newcastle.
Alex added: “He’s been the real difference-maker in our team. There’s clearly a reason why, even with his past history, that Roberto De Zerbi really pushed to get him.
“As a winger, his finishing qualities are the best I’ve seen for years. Left foot, right foot, the quality that he strikes the ball with is on par with the best scorers in Europe.
“We’re growing him and developing him to a level which should allow him to be one of the top wingers in Europe.”
Former Brighton chief De Zerbi yesterday said: “I’m not going to talk about his private life — people are free to live their life.
“Mason is a good lad and he’s paid a high price for what has happened. We have lent him a hand and given him affection.
“He’s a little bit introverted but I know him and his family. It’s just sad in a way, what’s happened.
“But the person I have met is totally different to what’s been said and reported in England.”
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Meanwhile, it will not just be Greenwood that Eddie Howe’s Toon will have to overcome. The Orange Velodrome will be packed to the rafters and ready to give the Mags a hot reception.
Alex added: “We’re always up for a big game at home. We haven’t always been as good as the glory days, but there’s always packed fans, a crazy atmosphere and it’s going to be very passionate. And I think the Newcastle players will even enjoy it. It’s going to be a game for big players.”
