Mason Greenwood labelled ‘an alien’ after scoring three goals in two games for Marseille – as French press claim ex-Man United forward is ‘clearing clouds’ after controversial £27m move

Mason Greenwood has reportedly been labelled as ‘an alien’ by a Marseille team-mate amid his strong start in France following his controversial £27million move from Manchester United.

Greenwood earned Marseille a point on Sunday night, with the forward equalising in the 71st minute to secure a 2-2 draw against Reims.

The 22-year-old was making his competitive home debut for the Ligue 1 side after his summer transfer.

Greenwood’s strike has seen the forward start the season with three goals in his opening two matches.

French newspaper L’Equipe reported on the reaction to Greenwood’s home debut, with his transfer having been the subject of protests from fans and the club’s mayor.

Greenwood has reportedly been labelled as ‘an alien’ by a Marseille team-mate after his start

The forward’s No 10 shirt has reportedly been one of the most popular for supporters

The newspaper stated that Greenwood’s successful start has immediately contributed to ‘clearing the clouds that had been hovering over his head’ since signing for Marseille.

Greenwood’s shirt has reportedly been the most requested in the club’s official store in recent weeks.

The newspaper noted that Greenwood must be consistent, noting that critics of his transfer in Marseille could ‘wake up very quickly’ should he fail to deliver on the pitch.

The former Man United forward has reportedly impressed team-mates with his ability, with one claimed to have described him as ‘an alien’.

Greenwood moved to Marseille this summer, having spent last season on loan in Spain at LaLiga side side Getafe.

He had not played for Manchester United since being arrested in January 2022, when he was charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour.

#GreenwoodNotWelcome and #GreenwoodWelcome were trending online ahead of his arrival

Greenwood’s move to Marseille has divided the city due to his controversial past

Marseille mayor Benoit Payan publicly opposed Greenwood’s move, labelling him ‘a disgrace’

Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has said he would defend Greenwood as a ‘son’ and that strong performances on the pitch will ‘calm the controversies that surrounded his arrival’

Greenwood vehemently denied any wrongdoing and the charges and case were dropped in February 2023 when key witnesses withdrew.

The Mayor of Marseille, Benoit Payan, opposed Greenwood’s signing this summer, insisting that he does not want the club ‘shamed by someone who hits his wife’.

There was also staunch protests from supporters who launched a #GreenwoodNotWelcome campaign earlier in July.

Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi pushed for the club to sign Greenwood despite opposition, with the Italian stating he would continue to defend him after the forward completed his move.

De Zerbi said last week that the club have been impressed with Greenwood’s behaviour and claimed the forward has ‘incredible’ room for improvement.

‘He must continue to train as he does,’ De Zerbi said.

‘We are all happy with him as a player, and with his behaviour since his arrival. 

‘He has incredible room for improvement.’