Mason Greenwood was repeatedly booed by Aston Villa supporters as the former Manchester United forward made his first appearance at an English football stadium since 2022 while representing Fenerbahce.
The 25-year-old was targeted from the moment his name was announced before the match, with Villa fans continuing to jeer and chant at him during the opening stages whenever he touched the ball.
Greenwood, who joined the Turkish club from Marseille for £36million last summer, returned to England with a solitary international cap to his name and a Manchester United career that unravelled following his arrest in October 2022.
Former Manchester United Forward Returns Amid Controversy
Greenwood was removed from Manchester United’s first-team plans after being arrested and charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour in October 2022.
The charges were discontinued in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew their involvement. Greenwood has denied any wrongdoing.
His departure from United eventually led to a move abroad, with the forward joining Marseille before securing his transfer to Fenerbahce.
He became one of the Istanbul club’s most high-profile arrivals last summer.
His appearance against Villa marked his return to English football grounds for the first time in more than four years, with supporters making their feelings clear throughout the early exchanges.
Greenwood Battles Former United Teammate Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Operating on the right side of Fenerbahce’s attack, Greenwood came up against former Manchester United teammate Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who was deployed at left-back for Villa.
Wan-Bissaka moved into the position amid injuries to Ian Maatsen and Matteo Ruggeri, setting up a direct contest between the former United colleagues.
The pair were involved in several physical exchanges during the opening stages, while Greenwood occasionally moved deeper to collect possession and find space away from his marker.
His first notable opportunity arrived in the 19th minute.
Following an attacking run from the lively Oguz Aydin, Greenwood directed a shot from approximately 20 yards straight at Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
England International Career Remains Limited
Greenwood has made just one senior appearance for England, featuring in a Nations League match against Iceland in September 2020.
He is also eligible to represent Jamaica internationally.
However, the forward declined an approach from the country’s then-manager, Steve McClaren, last year.
Before the match against Villa, Greenwood had scored six goals in 14 appearances for Fenerbahce, having established himself as one of the Turkish side’s notable attacking players.
Previous Clash With Aston Villa Included Pre-Season Altercation
Greenwood’s latest meeting with Villa was not his first encounter with the club since leaving English football.
During a pre-season friendly between Marseille and Aston Villa in August 2025, the forward was involved in an altercation with Villa midfielder Amadou Onana.
The incident prompted Villa defender Tyrone Mings to hurl Greenwood to the ground, adding another contentious episode to the forward’s history with the Premier League side.
Onana, who stands 6ft 5in, was absent from the latest meeting because of injury, meaning Greenwood did not face the midfielder involved in the previous confrontation.
