Mason Greenwood Shines in Marseille's Commanding Victory
Former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood delivered a stunning performance for Olympique de Marseille on Friday night, scoring two crucial goals in their emphatic 5-1 victory over OGC Nice. The win propelled Marseille to the summit of Ligue 1, with Greenwood's contribution proving decisive in this pivotal early-season clash.
French Media Praise for the English Striker
French journalists were quick to applaud Greenwood's display, with Le Parisien leading the acclaim. The publication highlighted his clinical finishing, noting how his second goal came after he left defender Juma Bah for dead with a clever feint and burst of speed before slotting home with a perfectly placed right-footed shot. GET Football's match ratings reinforced this praise, awarding the Englishman eight out of ten and emphasising how he sprang into life when finding space on the right flank, particularly during counter-attacks.
Greenwood's double takes his league tally to an impressive ten goals for the campaign, placing him at the top of the Ligue 1 Golden Boot standings. His first goal against Nice came via a deflected strike, while his second demonstrated his technical prowess and composure in front of goal.
Greenwood Opens Up in Rare Interview
Ahead of the match, the 24-year-old granted a rare interview where he discussed his techniques and inspirations. When asked about his signature move, Greenwood revealed: "The stepover" is what he considers his finest on-pitch skill. He credited Brazilian legend Ronaldo as a major influence, explaining he watched him extensively as a youngster and was particularly impressed by how he used stepovers against goalkeepers.
The striker also shared his method for maintaining composure during high-pressure situations. "The night before a game, I'm in bed and you're just visualising things in your head, moments on the pitch," Greenwood explained. He detailed how he uses visualisation during warm-ups to prepare for specific in-game scenarios, making his reactions "second nature" when opportunities arise.
Discussing his renowned ambidextrous ability, Greenwood noted how defenders often try to force him onto his perceived weaker side. "Which I like, because if he's showing me or wants to push me, I'll take the opportunity because I can shoot on the right side. Or if he wants to show me to the left, I can take the opportunity on the left," he stated, highlighting the advantage his two-footedness provides.
Continuing Impact Since Manchester United Departure
Since his £26.7 million transfer from Manchester United in the summer of 2024, Greenwood has established himself as a key performer for the French club. The transfer agreement included a significant sell-on clause, entitling United to half of any future fee Marseille receive for the player. His consistent performances and goal-scoring form have made him one of Ligue 1's standout attackers this season, justifying Marseille's investment and demonstrating his continued development away from the Premier League spotlight.
