Roberto De Zerbi brushes off Mason Greenwood transfer protests ahead of Man Utd exit

Roberto De Zerbi has come out in support of Marseille's controversial move for Manchester United's Mason Greenwood.

The Ligue 1 outfit is on the verge of securing a deal for the sidelined United forward, who impressed during his loan spell at Getafe last season with a tally of 10 goals from 36 games.

Despite a backlash from supporters, who have launched a #GreenwoodNotWelcome campaign fearing the transfer could tarnish the club's reputation, De Zerbi stands by the decision.

Greenwood was suspended by United in 2002 after his arrest for attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behavior, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, although those charges were ultimately dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service after the withdrawal of co-operation from key witnesses.

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De Zerbi, taking the reins at Marseille this summer, has expressed his willingness to embrace Greenwood as part of the team, likening his role to that of a paternal figure who will protect and guide him through his career at the club.

"Greenwood isn't recruited yet, so there isn't much to say," De Zerbi remarked. "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."

Greenwood made his way to Carrington on Monday for what's been dubbed a "constructive" sit-down with the club's top brass, all in an effort to secure him a fresh start elsewhere. The 22 year old, who's been out of the United lineup for over two years, didn't stick around for training and left post-haste following the discussion which included his agents and United officials.

While still on the books at Old Trafford, Greenwood's not slated to join the pre-season grind. Lazio's shown some interest in snapping up the forward, yet it's Marseille who appear to be in pole position to wrap up a transfer.

United had toyed with the idea of bringing Greenwood back into the fold at the beginning of the previous campaign but decided against it, wary of potential public outrage due to the delicate nature of his case.

A product of United's esteemed academy, Greenwood's tally for the senior squad stands at 35 goals from 129 appearances before his career was put on hold amid allegations he has consistently refuted.

Liverpool.com says: Mason Greenwood may have got his career back on track in Spain but any potential transfer is always going to come with some issues. Marseille supporters are not impressed with the deal but Roberto De Zerbi is clearly determined to stand by the player.