Former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood was on the scoresheet again for Marseille in their 2-2 draw at home to Reims. Greenwood now has three goals in two games for Marseille, having scored a brace on his debut against Brest.
Marseille took the lead against Reims through Amine Harit, but goals from Sergio Akieme and Yaya Fofana put the visitors in front. However, Greenwood secured a point for Marseille as he managed to find the net with a header.
It emerged this week that Greenwood, who has one senior cap for England, is set to switch his allegiance to Jamaica.
Greenwood's Scoring Spree
Greenwood left United this summer to join Marseille in a £27million move.
He had a loan spell at Getafe last campaign in which he scored ten goals in 36 games across all competitions.
Greenwood didn't play for United again after being arrested in January 2022. He was then charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour. Greenwood vehemently denied any wrongdoing and the charges and case were dropped in February 2023 when key witnesses withdrew. During his time at United, Greenwood made 129 appearances and scored 35 goals, while he provided 12 assists.
Marseille's Defensive Woes
Greenwood had scored twice in his debut for Marseille in a 5-1 victory over Brest in their league opener. The former Manchester United forward made a controversial move to Marseille this summer. Greenwood, who according to ESPN sources is set to change his international allegiance from England to Jamaica, became the first Marseille player to score three goals in the first two games of the season since Dimitri Payet in 2013.
De Zerbi's Disappointment
Despite scoring a late goal to avoid defeat in his first league match at the Velodrome as Marseille manager, Roberto De Zerbi expressed disappointment with the final result. “I'm disappointed and annoyed. I'm sorry, I would have liked to have won this first game at the Velodrome. I feel a huge responsibility with these fans,” De Zerbi said to DAZN.
A Mixed Bag for Marseille
Marseille's draw against Reims came after a string of other Ligue 1 matches. Strasbourg earned its first league victory of the season with a high-intensity 3-1 win against Rennes. Andrey Santos opened the scoring for Strasbourg in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a corner. Emanuel Emegha doubled Strasbourg's lead early in the second half. Ludovic Blas pulled one back for Rennes, but a late own-goal by Christopher Wooh sealed the win for Strasbourg. Strasbourg's fans, who had been protesting against the club's ownership, ended the day celebrating a well-deserved win.
Nantes ended a 10-game home winless streak in the league by defeating newly promoted Auxerre 2-0 at Stade de la Beaujoire. Nigeria forward Moses Simon opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a fine solo effort. Auxerre had several chances but failed to find the net, and their hopes were hit when Ado Onaiwu was sent off in the 52nd for a dangerous tackle. Bahereba Guirassy added a second goal deep in stoppage time.
Lens beat Brest 2-0 with an early goal from Jhoanner Chavez and an own-goal from Julien Le Cardinal. Lens lost Deiver Machado to a red card in the 88th minute. Also Sunday, Nice and Toulouse played out a 1-1 draw on a pitch whose grass had been damaged by a fungal infection. American defender Mark McKenzie started in his Toulouse debut following his transfer from Belgium's Genk.
The Future of Ligue 1
While PSG have dominated domestically in France’s top flight over the past few years, they have yet to replicate their success on the European stage and this year must face that challenge without Kylian Mbappe, who left for Real Madrid.
It’s not all about the free-spending Qatari-owned team though, with Ligue 1 recognised as being one of the best leagues for developing young talent. The likes of Monaco, Lille and Lyon are all building exciting squads in different ways, while Brest surprised many by finishing third last term to claim a Champions League spot. Auxerre are among the promoted teams, while Marseille will be looking for improvement after a difficult campaign last time out.
The season is still young, and as Marseille continues its journey, Greenwood's performance against Reims is a positive sign for the club. Only time will tell if Greenwood can lead Marseille to greater heights in the future.
