by Mason Greenwood, an English forward, is set to join Olympique de Marseille, a club with passionate fans, despite his controversial exit from Manchester United. His arrival at the Stade Velodrome could potentially split the fanbase, as the club has some of the most passionate supporters globally.
Marseille, France’s oldest city, is a multicultural, liberal, and progressive city. In a sea of far-right voting departments, it’s an island of left-wing politics. Kylian Mbappe’s endorsement of the left over the right in the most recent election resulted in an unexpected triumph that caused public celebrations.
The city’s main religion is its football club, OM, which is inescapable, graffitied on walls, worn proudly on replica shirts, and tattooed on chests and limbs. Despite Paris Saint-Germain’s wealth, OM is widely perceived as the best-supported side in Ligue 1, and its fanbase has a deep connection to the team and its values, which encompass the city as a whole.
The club and city are experiencing chaos due to their differing factions, and the hierarchy is turning to Greenwood for a £27 million ($35 million) deal. After a decade of lack of success, the club is deemed a sporting opportunity that is too good to pass up, as the club’s finances are relatively modest.
Manchester United forward Greenwood faced charges of attempted rape, controlling behavior, and assault in February last year, but the accusations remain. Marseille advocates for progressive women’s rights, but diversity leads to differing attitudes across communities, causing disharmony over Greenwood’s imminent arrival.
The case of Greenwood
Greenwood, a footballer, was arrested and suspended by Manchester United in January 2022 due to online audio and imagery, despite denying the accusations and being released on bail.
A 20-year-old man was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behavior, and assault, but the charges were discontinued in February 2023 due to the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material, reducing the likelihood of conviction.
Man Utd consulted the women’s team during an internal investigation regarding Greenwood’s return to Old Trafford. After over six months, United decided to sever ties with the forward, despite initially keeping him.
Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood has denied making mistakes and taking responsibility for the social media post, stating that he did not commit the actions accused of. The club has agreed to work with Mason to help him recoup his career at Old Trafford, acknowledging the difficulties he faced in doing so.
Man Utd plans to end their association with the player after he made 16 goal contributions in 32 appearances for Getafe in La Liga, impressing leading European clubs.
