GREENWOOD CELEBRATES Former rape-accused Manchester United forward tops the goal-scoring charts for Marseille in the French Ligue 1. Picture: Damien Meyer/AFP
Image: Damien Meyer/AFP
It’s coming up to two years since Mason Greenwood was arrested and later charged with the attempted rape of his girlfriend, and since then the former Manchester United star is now setting Ligue 1 alight for Marseille.
Since joining Marseille in July last year on a five-year contract, Greenwood has scored an impressive 12 goals in 18 games which sees him top the goal-scoring charts.
On January 30, 2022, Greenwood was suspended by United while the investigation took its course. Though there was compelling audio evidence released on social media, his girlfriend later dropped the charges.
In August 2023, United said it was considering his future at the Premier League club. After a severe public backlash, a few days later United said Greenwood would be leaving the club.
Greenwood had been with United for six years in their senior ranks and 11 including his youth career, racking up 83 appearances and scoring 22 goals.
The youngster was then loaned out to La Liga outfit Getafa. There he made 33 appearances as the forward scored eight goals.
A move to Marseille in France, however, has seen the 23-year-old rejuvenate his career.
Marseille currently lie second on the French Ligue 1 table, with Paris Saint-Germain nine points ahead after 18 games.
His red-hot form has seen Greenwood fall on the radar of a rumoured move to Spanish giants Barcelona, Real Madrid or Atletico. If any deal goes through for Greenwood, it’s reported that Marseille would get double the 30 million Euro (R579m) they paid for the player.
One move that seems highly unlikely though, would be a move back to England. Even though he has played one game for the England senior side, having already appeared at every age group level from Under-15 to Under-21.
Clearly trying to avoid any further scrutiny from the British media, Greenwood also has intentions of representing Jamaica at international level.
For now though, it seems Greenwood’s career is firmly back on track despite the attempted rape allegations lingering in his past.