Mason Greenwood’s French Renaissance Continues with Marseille

Former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood has continued his impressive start to life in France, scoring twice in under a minute for Marseille against Toulouse in their 3-1 victory.

The 22-year-old has now netted five goals in three appearances since joining the Ligue 1 club from Old Trafford in July.

Greenwood’s rapid-fire double came in the 16th minute, with Brazilian forward Luis Henrique providing the assists for both goals. The former Manchester United Academy product now shares the same goal tally in the first three games of a Ligue 1 season as Mario Balotelli, who achieved the feat in 2016.

Mason Greenwood netted twice in under a minute as Marseille beat Toulouse 3-1 on Saturday

Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi singled out Greenwood for praise, saying: ‘We had a good first half, scoring two goals. It gave us an advantage to have an extra player and we relied on our strength in one-on-ones, particularly Greenwood, to score the brace.’

Greenwood’s Ligue 1 goal tally matches that of former City player Mario Balotelli in 2016, who scored 33 times in 66 appearances between 2016 and 2019.

Greenwood’s Ligue 1 goal tally matches that of former City player, Mario Balotelli in 2016

Marseille now sit seven points atop of Ligue 1 level with Nantes, who won 3-1 away at Montpellier on Saturday.

Greenwood will be hoping to repay the faith Les Olympiens have showed in him, after leaving Manchester before his career ever truly got going.

The forward started his professional career at Old Trafford following much hype around his talent, but was suspended in January 2022 following allegations of attempted rape and sexual assault. Prosecutors, however, dropped the charges in February 2023, allowing Greenwood to restart his career.

Greenwood spent last season on loan in Spain for Getafe, where he scored eight goals in 33 LaLiga appearances.

The 22-year-old forward has scored five goals in just three appearances for Les Olympiens

Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has a player in rich form in Greenwood, who scored twice against Brest on his debut for the Ligue 1 club earlier in August, and once against Reims just last week.

Greenwood will be looking to continue his impressive start to life in France and help Marseille maintain their position at the top of Ligue 1.