Olympique de Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has heaped praise on Mason Greenwood, describing the English forward as “a different player” following his return from the summer break. Greenwood, who joined the Ligue 1 side on loan from Manchester United in July, has quickly made his presence felt in pre-season, showcasing form and focus that have caught De Zerbi and his coaching staff by surprise.
Greenwood, now 23, was a headline-grabbing signing for Marseille earlier this month, with the club taking a calculated risk on the once-prodigious talent. His career was derailed in 2022 when he was suspended by Manchester United amid legal proceedings. Although the charges were later dropped, Greenwood remained out of competitive English football and spent the 2023–24 season on loan at Getafe, where he impressed with 10 goals and six assists in La Liga.
Despite being sidelined from the Premier League spotlight, Greenwood’s ability has never been in question. What has drawn attention this time, however, is the mental and physical transformation the player seems to have undergone over the summer.
A Changed Player
Speaking to the French media after Marseille’s latest friendly against Real Sociedad — a game Greenwood dominated with a goal and two assists — De Zerbi admitted he was not expecting such a rapid resurgence from the Englishman.
“I knew Mason was talented. That’s clear to anyone who has watched him play,” said De Zerbi. “But what has really surprised me is his mentality, his physical sharpness, and the hunger he has shown since coming back from holiday. He is not the same player I watched at Getafe — he is better, stronger, more committed.”
According to club insiders, Greenwood reported early to Marseille’s pre-season training camp, and has been among the most hardworking players in fitness drills and tactical sessions. His sharpness in front of goal during friendlies has further fueled belief that the club may have landed a gem — one ready to redeem his reputation and make an immediate impact in Ligue 1.
Confidence Rebuilt in Spain
De Zerbi credits Greenwood’s season in Spain for reigniting the player’s self-belief. At Getafe, he was eased back into top-flight football under relatively low pressure, away from the scrutiny of English media and the intensity of Premier League crowds. It gave Greenwood a chance to focus purely on his football and begin rebuilding the rhythm that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards.
“His time at Getafe was crucial,” De Zerbi added. “Sometimes players need to be in an environment where they are not under a microscope. Mason used that time well — to develop, to think, to work. Now, he’s come to Marseille with something to prove, and we are the ones benefiting.”
A Tactical Fit for Marseille
Greenwood’s versatility — able to play across the front three or as a central attacking midfielder — fits neatly into De Zerbi’s fluid attacking philosophy. The Italian coach is known for his progressive possession-based style, something Greenwood appears to relish after years of tactical rigidity at United.
In the pre-season friendlies, Greenwood has linked up well with striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and new winger Iliman Ndiaye, suggesting Marseille could boast one of the most dangerous frontlines in Ligue 1. His ability to shoot off either foot, combined with improved vision and decision-making, has added a new dimension to Marseille’s attacking transitions.
“Technically, he’s always been elite,” De Zerbi noted. “But now I see a player who tracks back, who presses intelligently, who plays for the team. That’s what makes him so valuable right now.”
Eyes on Redemption
For Greenwood, the 2024–25 season could mark the most significant chapter of his career. While the player has kept a low profile off the pitch, his determination to focus on football is evident in his performances and professionalism at the club.
Reports suggest Marseille are already exploring a potential permanent transfer, though Manchester United are expected to monitor his progress closely before making a decision on his long-term future. There is also the question of whether Greenwood can re-enter the England conversation — something that remains a distant prospect but not an impossible one if he maintains this form.
For now, De Zerbi is focused on helping the player integrate fully into the team.
“I told Mason, this is a fresh start,” De Zerbi concluded. “Not everyone gets a second chance. He must keep working, keep improving, and forget the noise. If he does that, he can be one of the best players in this league.”
As the new season looms, one thing is clear: a different Mason Greenwood has arrived in Marseille — and he’s here to ma
ke headlines for all the right reasons.
