Marseille Signs Mason Greenwood from Manchester United Amid Controversy

Marseille has confirmed the signing of striker Mason Greenwood from Manchester United, despite some controversy surrounding the transfer. The Ligue 1 club announced the move on Thursday, with Greenwood, 22, joining the French side after a season on loan at Getafe in La Liga.

Greenwood, who has made one appearance for England, was suspended by Manchester United in January 2022 following allegations of attempted rape and sexual assault. However, the charges were dropped in February 2023. Marseille’s announcement did not address the allegations but praised Greenwood as a “precocious talent” and an “English nugget.”

The contract details, including its length and the transfer fee, were not specified in Marseille’s statement. However, reports suggest the deal is worth approximately 30 million euros ($32.7 million). Greenwood will wear the number 10 shirt for Marseille.

Manchester United, while confirming the transfer, wished Greenwood well in his future career. “We wish Mason all the best in his future career,” read the statement from United.

The transfer has stirred controversy among some Marseille fans. Before the deal was finalized, Marseille’s left-wing mayor, Benoit Payan, expressed his discomfort with the situation, stating, “I don’t want my club to be covered by shame.”

Greenwood has consistently denied the allegations against him. In a statement when he joined Getafe, he said, “I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges. However, I fully accept I made mistakes in my relationship.”

Greenwood began his Manchester United career at the age of 17 in the Champions League in 2019, and made his Premier League debut shortly after. He also earned his first England cap in September 2020. During his time at United, Greenwood made 129 appearances and scored 35 goals. He had not featured for the club since January 2022.

At Getafe, Greenwood scored 10 goals in 36 games last season. His move to Marseille follows the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was the club’s top scorer last season.

Marseille is scheduled to face Sunderland in a pre-season friendly on August 3 in Bradford, where Greenwood was born. If he plays, it could mark his first appearance in England since his arrest in January 2022.