Manager Roberto De Zerbi has praised former Manchester United star Mason Greenwood’s dedication, just months after criticizing him for his “substandard work ethic”. The former Brighton head coach praised the achievements of the Red Devils’ academy and backed their future stardom, despite explaining that they failed to meet standards earlier this season.
The 23-year-old scored four goals in Ligue 1 at the weekend, defeating Le Havre 6-2. With this feat, Greenwood became the first Marseille player to score four goals in a league match since Jean-Pierre Papin in 1991. Greenwood has enjoyed a stellar spell at Marseille since joining from United on a permanent basis for £26.6 million last summer.
De Zerbi praised Greenwood and encouraged him to reach the top with four goals.
He declared: “It’s true that Mason can do more than just score goals, because he doesn’t need to be better in that area.
“He is already a top player in front of goal, but he has the ability to become one of the best players in the world. He will grow in terms of helping the team when and when he needs it.”
“But I want to protect Mason from criticism. He always scored a lot of goals and never missed a training session. But he still has room for improvement.”
Back in March, De Zerbi highlighted some worrying aspects of Greenwood’s performances, admitting there was untapped potential in United’s youngest-ever European goalscorer. “I wanted him here. I said it over and over again. He was the first player I contacted even before I signed with OM.”
“I’ve already talked to his father. No one can respect him more than me. But that doesn’t change anything. I expect more from him.”
“He has to do more, because what he is showing now is not enough. If he wants to achieve his ambition to become champion, he has to be more consistent, sacrifice more and be more determined.”
“If we don’t do that, we always fall back into the same pattern as a team. We play a really good game and then we lose at Auxerre and then we win against Nantes… it’s too irregular, it’s like waves. I don’t like that.”
United may still be grateful that they were able to secure a sell clause when Greenwood decided to join Marseille permanently. That could bring in millions of dollars and links him to the likes of Barcelona, which could be a blockbuster summer move.
Greenwood’s tenure at Old Trafford ended last summer, almost two years after he was suspended by the club. The decision was made in October 2022, and the defendant was prospectively charged with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive conduct.
The Crown Prosecution Service then discontinued these proceedings and a year later all charges were dropped.
