When Mason Greenwood stepped up to the penalty spot against Montpellier, few could have predicted the kind of statement he was about to make.
With pressure mounting and critics circling, the 23-year-old forward responded with a performance that reminded everyone why he was once touted as Manchester United’s next big thing.
Scoring twice in a commanding 5-1 win, Greenwood didn’t just grab headlines—he sent a message.
Fan Backlash Sparks a Turning Point
Leading up to the game, Greenwood had faced a wave of criticism, not only from the media but also from Marseille’s own fanbase.
Reports had painted a picture of a player lacking drive and discipline, raising concerns about his attitude and work ethic.
The tension hit a boiling point when fans unveiled a blunt banner at the Orange Velodrome aimed directly at him and teammate Luis Henrique.
The message was clear: “Greenwood, Henrique, get moving!!!”
Instead of folding under the weight of the backlash, Greenwood stepped up.
His two goals were the perfect response, and they gave manager Roberto De Zerbi the perfect moment to share what’s really been going on behind the scenes.
De Zerbi’s Season-Long Strategy to Rebuild Confidence
Roberto De Zerbi, who took charge of Marseille after his stint at Brighton, wasn’t surprised by Greenwood’s breakthrough moment.
According to the manager, his approach to rebuilding Greenwood’s form isn’t something reactive.
It’s been a season-long process.
“I don’t wait for a crisis to support my players,” De Zerbi said.
“It’s been a continuous effort. People forget that Mason lost two crucial years of his career. That’s a massive setback, especially for someone still so young.”
De Zerbi highlighted that Greenwood’s last club, Getafe, spent most of the time fighting relegation, which didn’t exactly provide the best environment for growth.
Coming to Marseille was a fresh start—but not without its hurdles.
Family Support and Individualized Mentorship
Behind Greenwood’s turnaround is more than just tactical coaching.
De Zerbi shared that he’s worked closely with Greenwood’s family—particularly his father—to understand how best to guide him.
“Mason’s not the most expressive person. He’s pretty introverted,” De Zerbi explained.
“But he has a great family, and his father has been instrumental. Together with Mehdi Benatia, we’ve been helping him step by step.”
Still, De Zerbi admitted that Greenwood sometimes leaves people wanting more.
“There are games where you feel he could’ve scored four goals easily, and others where he seems to hold back. That’s part of the challenge—getting that consistency.”
A Mix of Tough Love and Encouragement
Helping Greenwood reach his full potential, according to De Zerbi, requires a careful balance of support and accountability.
“Sometimes, he needs comfort and confidence. Other times, he needs a push. That’s how we keep him moving forward.”
This player-first approach is something De Zerbi applies to his entire squad.
“If I can help my players grow individually, we’ll hit our goals as a club much faster.”
Greenwood’s Stats Speak for Themselves
The numbers back up Greenwood’s resurgence.
His two goals against Montpellier brought his Ligue 1 total to 18 for the season.
Only Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé has scored more, sitting at 21.
Greenwood’s first goal came early, burying a penalty just eight minutes into the match.
His second strike, a confident finish in the 67th minute, further sealed Marseille’s dominance.
A Complicated Past, a New Path Ahead
Greenwood’s journey hasn’t been smooth.
After emerging as a top talent at Manchester United, his career took a sharp detour when he was arrested in January 2022 and later charged with attempted rape, assault, and coercive behavior.
The charges were later dropped due to the withdrawal of key witnesses and new evidence that surfaced.
Following those events, Greenwood parted ways with United and has since begun the process of switching international allegiance from England to Jamaica, where he hopes to reignite his international career under Steve McClaren’s guidance.
What Comes Next?
Greenwood’s latest performance hints that he may finally be turning a corner—not just as a player, but as a person navigating one of football’s most dramatic redemption arcs.
With De Zerbi and his family in his corner, and with Marseille pushing for a Champions League spot, the stage is set for Greenwood to keep rising.
The question now is: Can he maintain this momentum and unlock the full extent of his potential?