Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi claims Mason Greenwood’s goals will make him “less of a target for controversy” | OneFootball

Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has claimed that Mason Greenwood’s goals for the club will reduce the controversy around him.

De Zerbi spoke to the media after Greenwood’s sensational brace in his Ligue 1 debut helped Marseille to a 5-1 victory against Brest.

Earlier this summer, Greenwood permanently left United to join Marseille in a deal worth up to €31.6million (£26.6m).

He only needed three minutes to get off the mark, as he advanced into the box before firing home from the right-hand side low into the bottom corner, giving Brest goalkeeper Marco Bizot absolutely no chance.

Greenwood would get his double 28 minutes later, this time from the penalty spot after Jonas Martin was penalised for a foul on Amine Harit.

It was a dream start to life in France for Greenwood and according to De Zerbi, his goals will do him a world of good as he seeks to settle in his new surroundings.

The Italian coach said about the former Manchester United forward, “He is a player of an extraordinary level.”

“I am happy that he scored, as that way he will be less of a target for controversy.”

Greenwood put pen to paper on a contract with Marseille that runs until 2029.

The 22-year-old spent last season out on loan in Spain with Getafe after United made it clear that he would be required to continue his career elsewhere.

He last played for the Red Devils in January 2022, when he started in a 1-0 win at Old Trafford against West Ham. Days later, the Carrington academy graduate was arrested for attempted rape, assault and coercive control.

He of course denied any wrongdoing. All charges against him were eventually dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service, who cited the withdrawal of material witnesses from the case.

This development led to United initiating a lengthy internal investigation into the matter. The club had provisionally planned to bring him back but made a U-turn after widespread backlash.

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