Mayor of Marseille blasts 'shameful' Mason Greenwood transfer from Man Utd

Marseille's interest in Manchester United's Mason Greenwood has hit a snag, with the city's mayor publicly denouncing the move.

The Ligue 1 side, along with other clubs such as Lazio, have been linked to the forward, whose contract at Old Trafford is winding down. Greenwood, who had a loan spell at Getafe last season, hasn't played for United since January 2022.

He was suspended following his arrest for attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The case was discontinued when the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew all charges, following the withdrawal of co-operation from key witnesses.

Marseille's mayor Benoit Payan told RMC, "I do not want my club to be covered in shame. It is not acceptable."

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Greenwood was reportedly back at Carrington for talks about his future on Monday, but he wasn't part of the training session as manager Erik ten Hag began pre-season preparations with some of the squad.

Payan's remarks about the 22-year-old come in the wake of a backlash from some Marseille supporters, who have taken to social media to voice their disapproval of the club's interest in Greenwood, using the hashtag #GreenwoodNotWelcome. The player, who netted 10 times for Getafe last season across all competitions, is thought to be valued at around $35m (£27m/€32m)

"At a time when negotiations for the arrival of Mason Greenwood are announced as becoming increasingly advanced, it seems necessary to explain, once again and before the damage becomes irreversible, why this transfer seems inconceivable in view of the values displayed by the club and why it would mean for many of us a red line that would irreparably damage the passion that we have for this club," a statement on OM Forum reads.

Last season saw Marseille finish eighth in Ligue 1 amidst a period of managerial instability, with multiple coaches taking turns in the dugout. Roberto De Zerbi was appointed as the new head coach over the summer, following his departure from Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion.

De Zerbi was asked about Greenwood by reporters after the fan protests. "Greenwood isn't recruited yet, so there isn't much to say," the 45-year-old said.

"He's a champion, an international level player. I don't know what happened, I'm not concentrating on private lives. When a player signs for the club, I consider him my child. Even if I can pull his ear in private, I will defend him publicly. My players are like my sons."

Liverpool.com says: Any deal for Greenwood was going to be met with some dismay from supporters and Marseille are finding that out right now. He has no future at Old Trafford but it does appear that the French side will stand firm and go ahead with the transfer.