Mayson Greenwood is facing a turbulent chapter in his career as rumors swirl around a potential exit from Olympique de Marseille after just one season. Once considered a top rising star during his tenure at Manchester United, Greenwood has found himself at the center of controversy following a series of troubling incidents related to his off-field behavior and personal conduct. His journey through the football world has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, and the recent criticisms from his coach threaten to derail the progress he has made since moving to France.
According to reports from the British media, including the Daily Mail on March 20, 2025, Greenwood’s current position at Marseille is precarious, with suggestions that he may be released this summer due to questions surrounding his effort and attitude. After a promising start in Ligue 1, where he has scored 15 goals and provided three assists, Greenwood has since found himself benched for the last two matches against Lens and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Greenwood's struggles began during his time at Manchester United, where he gained notoriety for his skillful play and promise. He made headlines in the 2019-20 season when he scored ten goals in 31 appearances but faced serious allegations of assault that halted his rise. While the charges were eventually dropped, the damage to his reputation had already been done, leading him to spend the subsequent season on loan at Getafe in Spain, where he scored ten goals and assisted six times.
Upon his transfer to Marseille for £26.6 million this season, expectations were high. However, tensions surfaced as head coach Roberto De Zerbi publicly criticized Greenwood for his lack of progress and effort. Following a 1-3 loss to PSG, De Zerbi remarked, "I expect a lot from Greenwood. He has to do more, and what he's showing now is not enough."
The coach’s comments have drawn the limelight toward Greenwood's inconsistent performances this season. Not only is he dealing with the pressure of living up to the potential seen in his early career, but he also faces scrutiny regarding his professionalism and commitment to the team. As highlighted by RMC Sport, De Zerbi expressed frustration not just with Greenwood’s on-field output but also with his behavior during training sessions, labeling it as lazy, which has emerged as a critical factor in his recent exclusion from the starting line-up.
The situation has escalated to a point where French media have reported that Marseille could look to part ways with the talented but troubled striker if his attitude does not improve. “Greenwood's lazy approach has sparked anger among the coaching staff, and if De Zerbi's feelings do not change, there is a strong possibility that he will leave Marseille,” noted L'Equipe.
Despite being a top scorer for the team and maintaining a second-place ranking in Ligue 1, Greenwood’s lack of consistent effort has raised questions regarding his future with the team. Coach De Zerbi emphasized the importance of growing more consistent both in training and performance, stating, “If Greenwood has ambitions of becoming a champion, he must be more consistent, make more sacrifices, and show greater determination.”
Efforts to regain his coach’s trust may come too little, too late for Greenwood. Following the coach's remarks, reports from the team reveal that he voluntarily returned early from an international break to start training, hoping to demonstrate his dedication to the club once again. Nevertheless, the damage may already be done; De Zerbi has communicated expectations that Greenwood’s current performance levels are simply insufficient.
As Marseille heads into a crucial phase of the season with a match against Stade de Reims on March 29, all eyes will be on Greenwood to see if he can reclaim his place in the starting eleven. Analysts speculate on the implications of Greenwood's potential departure from the club, especially with former Premier League player Hwang Hee-chan’s name resurfacing as a prospective replacement should Greenwood exit. Marseille had previously expressed interest in signing Hwang Hee-chan last summer, which adds intrigue to the situation moving forward.
Greenwood's career trajectory now stands at a crossroad. After being hailed as a prodigy at Manchester United, his ongoing challenges and visible descent from grace serve as a stark reminder of how fragile a professional athlete's journey can be. The football community watches closely as Greenwood contemplates his next move, balancing the expectations from a demanding sport against the realities of personal accountability. His future with Marseille—and perhaps in football—hangs in the balance, and only time will tell if he can overcome these struggles and reclaim his once-promising career.
