Mason Greenwood singled out as furious Marseille boss makes feelings clear on ex-Man United star
Mason Greenwood is still rebuilding his career in Marseille, but the former Manchester United academy graduate was publicly lambasted by his manager
Mason Greenwood has been criticised by his own manager
Mason Greenwood was called out by his own manager after Marseille were beaten at home by Lille.
The former Manchester United academy graduate was on the wrong end of stinging criticism from Roberto De Zerbi, the former Brighton and Hove Albion manager. Greenwood linked up with the French side last year, not long after charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault were dropped – he denied all of the charges.
De Zerbi has been pleased with the striker, who has 11 goals and four assists in 19 appearances in all competitions. However, the Italian went out of his way to dig out Greenwood’s performance against Lille.
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He said: “We played badly and we deserved to lose. We didn’t string three passes together. We lost every second ball. Even with dribbling, we couldn’t beat anyone. Defensively, we were never as aggressive as we usually are.
“We were passive from the first minute to the last. One shot on target for a player like Greenwood isn’t enough for him. Shooting so infrequently isn’t sufficient.”
It’s a stark contrast from Greenwood’s recent comments about De Zerbi, where he thanked the Italian for helping to rebuild his football career. The 24-year-old told Telefoot: “I’m in a really good place thanks to the coach and my teammates.
“I feel good and I hope to improve, to win more awards this season. Roberto De Zerbi? He’s the brains of the team, the architect of our game. He helps me understand football much better, he helps me improve every day.”
Greenwood’s display left plenty to be desired(Image: 2025 Xavier Laine)
Greenwood was recently tipped by former Watford striker Troy Deeney to one day play for England again. The Wibsey born forward was granted Jamaican citizenship and granted a passport for the Caribbean country in August.
However, he is yet to play for the Jamaica international team. Writing in the Sun, Deeney believes Greenwood should be granted a chance to play for England again, if his performances warrant it.
The ex-striker wrote: “Football cannot be a place where people are written off after mistakes, alleged or not, in their younger years. This is not to dismiss the seriousness of those allegations. Greenwood will live with them forever.
Greenwood saw charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault be dropped in August 2023(Image: Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
“In truth, he does not owe an explanation to football supporters. It is his friends and family he must prove himself to. But, if he wants an England return, he must address it in public – prove he is worthy of wearing the England shirt, show he can be trusted.
“Rebuilding trust is the only way this can ever happen and it is an incredibly hard thing to achieve. It would be taxing on Greenwood himself having to face such justified scrutiny. If Greenwood can face that and come through it.
“He deserves a second chance with England. If there were to be no way back whatsoever, the game is setting a dangerous precedent. Sending a message that any mistake in your personal life rules you out for good.”
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