Mason Greenwood left Manchester United for Marseille last year and has been a regular starter for the French side, who are managed by Roberto De Zerbi, and he has discovered his best form this term
Stephen Killen Senior Sports Content Creator and Patrick Austen-Hardy Senior Sports Journalist
16:29, 21 Oct 2025
METZ, FRANCE - OCTOBER 04: Mason Greenwood of Olympique de Marseille reacts during the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Metz and Marseille at Stade Saint-Symphorien on October 04, 2025 in Metz, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Mason Greenwood now plays for French side Marseille(Image: Franco Arland, Getty Images)
Former Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi has told Mason Greenwood he could become world class, not long after slating the ex-Manchester United player's 'below-par work rate.'
The 24-year-old made headlines over the weekend by scoring four goals in Marseille's 6-2 thrashing of Le Havre. He became the first player since Jean-Pierre Papin in 1991 to score four goals in a single league game.
Greenwood has been a regular at Marseille since his £26.6million move from Old Trafford. United sold the forward a year after charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in 2023.
In terms of his football of late, De Zerbi was full of admiration for the academy graduate, who was granted Jamaican citizenship in the summer, thus making him eligible to represent Jamaica at international level. The Italian's positive comments suggests Greenwood is doing everything he can to impress him.
De Zerbi said: "It's true that Mason can do more, not just in terms of goals scored because in that area he doesn't need to do better. He's already a top player in front of goal, but he can become one of the best players in the world, because he has the ability.
"He can improve in helping the team when it needs it, when it's necessary. But I want to protect Mason from criticism, he's always scored a lot of goals and never missed a training session. But he still has room for improvement."
LILLE, FRANCE - MAY 4: Coach of Olympique de Marseille Roberto De Zerbi, Mason Greenwood of Marseille following the Ligue 1 football match between Lille OSC (LOSC) and Olympique de Marseille (OM) at Stade Pierre Mauroy, Decathlon Arena on May 4, 2025 in Villeneuve d'Ascq near Lille, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
De Zerbi had a lot of positive comments for Greenwood(Image: Jean Catuffe, Getty Images)
Back in March, De Zerbi had pointed out areas of Greenwood's game which needed improvement.
He said: "I wanted him here, I said it over and over again. He was the first player I contacted, even before I signed for OM," he said.
"I had already spoken to his father. No one can have more respect for him than I do. But that doesn't change anything: I expect more from him.
"He has to do more, because what he is currently showing is not enough. If he wants to achieve his ambition of becoming a champion, he has to be more consistent, sacrifice more and be more determined.
Mason Greenwood of Marseille celebrates the victory following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Olympique de Marseille (OM) and AFC Ajax Amsterdam at Stade Velodrome on September 30, 2025 in Marseille, France.
View 3 Images
Greenwood is eligible to play for Jamaica(Image: Getty Images)
Article continues below
"Otherwise, we as a team always fall back into the same pattern: a very good match, then a defeat at Auxerre, then a victory against Nantes... It's too irregular, it's like waves. And that's something I don't like."
Greenwood's stint at Old Trafford concluded last summer, nearly two years after the club suspended him.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£49
£35
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.