- Marseille fans called out Mason Greenwood before their 5-1 win over Montpellier
- The forward responded to the fans’ criticism by netting a brace in the game
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Marseille fans voiced their frustrations towards Mason Greenwood ahead of their 5-1 thrashing of Montpellier on Saturday.
The former Manchester United star has recently been the subject of several damning reports that have raised questions over his attitude.
Greenwood has recently been restored to the starting line-up after he had been dropped by manager Roberto De Zerbi, with reports in France suggesting the former Brighton boss was dissatisfied with his work rate.
Before Saturday’s game, a banner was unfurled in the north bend of the Orange Velodrome, with Marseille’s home fans calling for more effort from Greenwood.
The banner – also aimed at Greenwood’s team-mate Luis Henrique – read: ‘Greenwood, Henrique, get moving!!!’
Greenwood responded to the flak in the best way possible – by scoring an early opener for Marseille when he converted a penalty on eight minutes.
Marseille fans held up a banner aimed at Mason Greenwood which read: ‘Greenwood, Henrique, get moving!!!’
The former Man United forward responded to the criticism by scoring a brace in the game
Helped by Greenwood’s two goals, Marseille went on to thrash Montpellier 5-1 on Saturday
The 23-year-old then netted his second in the 67th minute, taking his tally in Ligue 1 to 18 goals for the season. Only PSG’s Ousmane Dembele has managed more (21).
With the victory, Marseille usurped Monaco in second place and kept up momentum in their bid to qualify for the Champions League next season.
However, Ligue 1 has long been wrapped up, with PSG claiming the title back in matchweek 28 as they now seek to go invincible this season with five games to go.
De Zerbi addressed the issue of Greenwood’s work rate last month and claimed the forward is not accustomed to the intense workload he has had this season.
Earlier this month, De Zerbi went a step further and claimed that Greenwood ‘has the qualities’ to join the pantheon of Marseille greats.
‘Greenwood is a natural talent,’ he said. ‘All the credit goes to his mother and father. And I’m here to help him become more complete. When he needs a hug, a word of support, I gladly give it. And when I need to push him to give more, I have to do that too because that’s my job.’
‘I would especially like to help him be remembered, in this stadium and by these supporters, as one of the greatest players to have played here at the Velodrome,’ he added.
‘There have been so many great players here, but I think Greenwood has the qualities to be remembered that way. And I’m trying to help him progress.’
Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi recently dropped Greenwood from his side’s starting XI
Greenwood left United last summer after he was arrested in January 2022 before being charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour.
Charges against Greenwood were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service following the ‘withdrawal of key witnesses and new material coming to light’. Greenwood has always denied the allegations.
Greenwood reignited his career on loan at Spanish outfit Getafe last season, where he bagged 10 goals and six assists.
His move to France sparked a backlash from livid Marseille fans, who launched a #GreenwoodNotWelcome campaign when he was initially linked with the club.
He has since formally applied to switch his international allegiance from England, for whom he made one outing, to Steve McClaren’s Jamaica.
