Mason Greenwood has been linked with a transfer away from Marseille at the end of the season amid concerns over his attitude, and a sale would see Manchester United benefit financially
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Mason Greenwood of Marseille celebrates his goal during the Ligue 1 match between AS Saint-Étienne and Olympique de Marseille at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard
Mason Greenwood looks set for another summer of rampant change(Image: Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood could face another move this summer, which would see his old club benefit financially.
After a promising start in France, the Marseille man has been out of favour of late after he was sidelined from Roberto De Zerbi's starting line-up due to reported issues with his attitude. Greenwood, 23, will be keen to return to De Zerbi's team soon, with Sunday night seeing them play away to Ligue 1 titleholders Paris Saint-Germain in Le Classique.
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This all comes amid rumours concerning his international future, with the one-time England player supposedly on the cusp of changing his international allegiance. And that may not be the only significant change for Greenwood this year, with more potential changes in sight.
De Zerbi disaster
Only one player has outscored Greenwood's 15 goals in Ligue 1 this season, with PSG's Ousmane Dembele leading the race for France's Golden Boot on 20 goals. Greenwood – who was sold by United last year following charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling behaviour, all of which were later dropped – was suddenly dropped by his manager earlier this month.
The Bradford-born attacker's recent dip in form led to him only playing the second half in a 1-0 defeat at home to Lens, snapping his streak of scoring in four consecutive home league matches. RMC Sport cited sources claiming Marseille staff are dissatisfied with Greenwood's 'nonchalance', 'attitude' and 'lack of effort', with similar reports arising when he was at Old Trafford.
Roberto DE ZERBI head coach of Marseille
Former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi recently dropped Greenwood despite his fine form
The choice to sideline Greenwood reflects former Brighton boss De Zerbi's sentiments. Speaking on the matter, the Italian 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.
"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."
After being benched for Marseille's first home defeat since November 2024, the manager will be looking for a strong reaction from his players in Le Classique. However, Get French Football News reported Greenwood has been training with substitutes ahead of the crucial clash with PSG, indicating Bilal Nadir may be preferred in the starting XI.
Old Trafford reunion
A familiar face in the form of Jamaica manager Steve McClaren is showing a strong interest in having Greenwood play for the Reggae Boyz. Following confirmation last year that the player has sought to change his international allegiance, it appears all but certain he will soon be donning the Jamaican kit.
McClaren, 63, was previously part of Erik ten Hag's coaching staff and holds a steep history at Old Trafford. He returned to senior management with Jamaica several months after Greenwood was first suspended at United, where the two hold a shared connection.
"We are in contact all the time, with him and his family," said McClaren regarding discussions about Greenwood's potential switch. "I am very confident he only wants to play for Jamaica. It is up to him when he moves forward with that. The ball is in his court."
Steve McClaren Head Coach of Jamaica
Steve McClaren is eager to get Greenwood playing for his Jamaica side
Greenwood earned a single cap for England in a 1-0 UEFA Nations League triumph against Iceland in September 2020. However, both he and Phil Foden were expelled and fined following a breach of Covid-19 regulations.
In August 2024, the Marseille forward is understood to have submitted paperwork to switch his allegiance to Jamaica, whom he is eligible to represent through his mother. Mark Bullingham, the FA's chief executive, confirmed the request to switch was initiated by Greenwood rather than his organisation pushing to part ways.
"So my understanding, and I'd have to double check my understanding, is he's asked to switch," said the FA boss. "That's happened formally, so he wouldn't be able to because you can only switch once.
"I know people asked Gareth [Southgate] about him and Gareth was up front in that he hadn't been in his thinking, because he hadn't been performing at that level, so I'm not aware of any communication we had with him. I don't think there was ever a request or anything like that. It just wasn't one we got to, so it's a personal decision by him."
Man Utd transfer boost
While there's speculation around Greenwood's future on the international front, there's a chance fans might witness another transfer at club level for the player this summer. And the move could prove beneficial for United due to the 50% sell-on clause included in the deal with Marseille for Greenwood when he was sold for £26.6million last year.
Ruben Amorim applauds the Manchester United fans at Old Trafford
Greenwood's transfer could be a big help to United boss Ruben Amorim
It's been reported United are "increasingly confident" they will see a return on their former player as interest in his services continues to grow. With Greenwood just one goal shy of equalling his best-ever tally of 16 goals in one term and plenty of matches to go, the prospect of a profitable move seems ever more likely.
Goal reported Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are showing interest in the player, with Real Madrid also linked of late. Additionally, PSG has been suggested as a potential suitor if he chooses to stay in France.
It's understood the player is open to returning to La Liga, where he initially revived his career on loan at Getafe. United may not be overly concerned about where the forward lands next season, as long as it secures them the highest possible percentage of any future transfer fee to bolster Ruben Amorim's summer budget.