Mason Greenwood’s League One comeback: a redemption story?
Mason Greenwood has had an impressive start to the 2024/25 season with Marseille. With five goals in four appearances, the former Manchester United man seems to be coming back into his own after a turbulent few years. For a forward who was once England’s most talented talent, the journey from a career-threatening suspension to becoming Marseille’s top scorer has been remarkable.
Greenwood joined Marseille from Manchester United after spending last season on loan at Getafe, where he made 36 appearances and scored 10 goals. His form in Spain attracted interest from top clubs such as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, but neither club made a formal bid. Marseille eventually negotiated and signed the 22-year-old.
Greenwood proves his worth at Marseille after legal battle and suspension
The striker made an immediate impact in Ligue 1, scoring twice in a 5-1 win over Brest. TalkSPORT recently reported how Greenwood has adapted quickly to the French league, taking just three minutes to score on his debut.
As Marseille’s top scorer, Greenwood has now placed himself alongside the best players in Europe – only Erling Haaland has scored more goals than Greenwood in Europe’s top five leagues this season – and this fine start has seen him named Marseille’s Player of the Month for August, silencing some of the scepticism surrounding his arrival.
The one-cap England player’s journey has been full of difficulties both on and off the pitch, with his career being derailed in 2022 by allegations of rape and assault, though all charges were dropped in February 2023. Despite being legally acquitted, the controversy has dragged on, with even the mayor of Marseille voicing his opposition to the club’s decision to sign him.
But Greenwood seems determined to win over wary Marseille fans as he continues to shine on the field, and his performances so far this season have attracted attention and could be the key to rebuilding his reputation.
Marseille next face Lyon with Greenwood having another chance to prove his worth and propel his team to the top of the Ligue 1 table. If Paris Saint-Germain fail, Marseille could well take the lead on Sunday.
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Football fans are undoubtedly divided over Mason Greenwood’s return. On the one hand, it’s hard to argue with his performances on the pitch – five goals in four games is a tally few strikers can boast of – and this impressive return has Marseille fans excited at the prospect of him leading their team’s attack and potentially leading them to a title run.
But skepticism remains among much of the football world, particularly within the Premier League. Many still remember the serious accusations that blighted his young career and question whether his return to professional football was handled with enough care. The charges were dropped, but public perception remains divided.
Whether Greenwood can win the support of the fans will depend mainly on his off-field behaviour and on-field consistency. Marseille fans will be cautiously optimistic, hoping their new talisman can maintain his good form from the start of the season and help the club succeed. However, some may be apprehensive about rooting for him, given his past.
For now, Greenwood’s strong start to life in France certainly gives hope, but only time will tell if he can truly overcome the shadows of his past.
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