13:25, Mon, Oct 21, 2024 | UPDATED: 13:26, Mon, Oct 21, 2024
1 Bookmark
Mason Greenwood has responded in the best way possible following criticism from his manager Roberto De Zerbi. The former Manchester United forward scored Marseille's fourth goal in a 5-0 hammering of Montpellier on Sunday, bringing his tally for the season to six in eight matches.
It comes after former Brighton boss De Zerbi, who, like Greenwood, joined Marseille in the summer, slammed the player for being 'out of shape'. The jibe was in response to a question the Italian was asked about why Greenwood had gone four games without a goal or assist.
The result has reignited Marseille's title aspirations, moving them back to within three points of Ligue 1 leaders PSG. They're now third in the table, with five wins and two draws from their opening eight matches.
Greenwood, 23, sealed a £27million switch from United in July after being told he had no future at Old Trafford. He made an explosive start to life in the south of France, bagging five goals in his first three appearances, including a brace on his debut against Brest.
His early form earned him significant acclaim, with RMC Sport pundit Daniel Riolo branding him the best player in French football. "In terms of pure quality, over the first three games, Greenwood is perhaps the best player in Ligue 1," he said.
"We're going to talk about [him on] the pitch, it's extraordinary. It's maybe two or three flashes per match, but it's sharp, crazy. His precision, his speed of execution we're watching a guy who has qualities that are well above average. He's above Ligue 1, he's a very great player."
Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
It comes amid reports Greenwood wants to sit down with England boss Thomas Tuchel, as well as with the Football Association (FA), to discuss a possible return to the Three Lions setup. He hasn't featured for his country since earning his one and only cap against Iceland in 2020.
During the trip, Greenwood and Phil Foden were sent home after footage emerged of them breaking Covid-19 restrictions. However, while the Manchester City ace was reinstated to the squad weeks later, Greenwood was left out in the cold.
In August, it emerged that Greenwood had filed papers to switch international allegiances to Jamaica. However, it's understood that he's prepared to scrap those plans if given assurances that an England return is possible.
An insider told The Sun: "Mason knows his chances of playing for England again are very slim. But he wants to check with The FA and Tuchel now he has been appointed to see what they think.
"He is determined to play at the highest level and that means the World Cup. So if England don't want him, he'll switch to Jamaica and try and get to the 2026 World Cup that way."