Mason Greenwood behaviour speaks volumes as Man Utd could bank millions

Roberto De Zerbi has heaped praise upon former Manchester United starlet Mason Greenwood's dedication, just months after criticising the winger for his 'substandard work ethic'. The ex-Brighton head coach has sung the praises of the Red Devils academy product, backing him for future stardom despite outlining how he failed to meet standards earlier this campaign.

The 23-year-old bagged four goals for the Ligue 1 outfit at the weekend as they demolished Le Havre 6-2. In achieving this feat, Greenwood became the first Marseille player to net four times in a single league fixture since Jean-Pierre Papin in 1991. Greenwood has been in scintillating form for Marseille following his permanent switch from United last summer for £26.6million.

De Zerbi praised Greenwood and backed him to reach the summit after his four-goal haul.

He declared: "It's true that Mason can do more, not just in terms of goals scored because in that area he doesn't need to do better.

"He's already a top player in front of goal, but he can become one of the best players in the world, because he has the ability. He can improve in helping the team when it needs it, when it's necessary.

"But I want to protect Mason from criticism, he's always scored a lot of goals and never missed a training session. But he still has room for improvement."

Back in March, De Zerbi spotlighted the concerning aspects of Greenwood's performances as he acknowledged that United's youngest-ever European goalscorer possessed untapped potential. "I wanted him here, I said it over and over again. He was the first player I contacted, even before I signed for OM," he revealed.

"I had already spoken to his father. No one can have more respect for him than I do. But that doesn't change anything: I expect more from him.

"He has to do more, because what he is currently showing is not enough. If he wants to achieve his ambition of becoming a champion, he has to be more consistent, sacrifice more and be more determined.

"Otherwise, we as a team always fall back into the same pattern: a very good match, then a defeat at Auxerre, then a victory against Nantes... It's too irregular, it's like waves. And that's something I don't like."

United may yet be thankful that they secured a sell-on clause when Greenwood sealed a permanent move to Marseille, which could yet bank them millions, with the likes of Barcelona linked in what could be a blockbuster summer transfer.

Greenwood's tenure at Old Trafford concluded last summer, nearly two years after his suspension by the club. The decision was made in October 2022 when the forward faced charges of attempted rape, assault causing actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour.

The Crown Prosecution Service later discontinued these proceedings, and all charges were dropped a year later.