Mason Greenwood ‘has the qualities’ to join the pantheon of Marseille greats, says manager Roberto De Zerbi.

The former Manchester United striker has enjoyed a prolific debut season but De Zerbi has recently called for him to improve his work ethic. 

Greenwood left Manchester United under a cloud last summer after he was arrested in January 2022 before being charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour.

But after a 17-goal season so far – including a top-corner screamer against Toulouse in Sunday’s 3-2 win – he is rebuilding his career and has been backed to be one of their ‘greatest players,’ armed with a contract until 2029. 

‘Greenwood is a natural talent,’ said De Zerbi.

Mason Greenwood can become a Marseille legend, according to his manager Roberto De Zerbi

The striker, 23, has enjoyed a prolific season and they could qualify for the Champions League

De Zerbi says Greenwood, who has scored 17 times this season, is a ‘natural talent’

‘All the credit goes to his mother and father. And I’m here to help him become more complete. When he needs a hug, a word of support, I gladly give it. And when I need to push him to give more, I have to do that too because that’s my job.’

‘I would especially like to help him be remembered, in this stadium and by these supporters, as one of the greatest players to have played here at the Vélodrome,’ he added. 

‘There have been so many great players here, but I think Greenwood has the qualities to be remembered that way. And I’m trying to help him progress.’

It’s a bold claim at a club that has won nine Ligue 1 titles, one European Cup, and has produced a Ballon d’Or winner in former France striker Jean-Pierre Papin.

While their top scorers from days of yore such as Gunnar Andersson and Josip Skoblar are not so well remembered nowadays, they have still had recent club favourites such as Dimitri Payet, Florian Thauvan, and Andre-Pierre Gignac. 

His hunt for the golden boot has been blasted to smithereens by Ousmane Dembele’s barnstorming form – Greenwood with 16 Ligue 1 goals, now trails the PSG man by five.

But it has still been a strong campaign which has reignited his career after he left United for £30million.

His move to France sparked a backlash from livid Marseille fans, who launched a #GreenwoodNotWelcome campaign when he was initially linked with the club.

Greenwood and Harriet Robson (left) reportedly welcomed the birth of their second daughter

Greenwood shared a photo of Harriet and their first daughter Summer on Instagram recently

While his instant goalscoring form won over some, his manager is arguably one of his most demanding critics. 

‘Greenwood is a very good person whom I love, as I love his father,’ De Zerbi said recently. 

‘He’s had a bit of a tough time lately because he had a daughter who was born, and I don’t think he’s used to playing such an intense season and being a main player. I think he paid for it physically.

‘That is to say that he didn’t push himself and wasn’t 100 percent as I wanted in training, in terms of what I expect from a player like him.

‘His physical condition has declined a little, but my project in Marseille is not only to qualify for the Champions League, it is also to create something like what Luis Enrique has created (at PSG). He has created a team, a group of strong players, but with a soul.’

Greenwood could face English clubs in the Champions League next season, with Marseille second in Ligue 1.