Mason Greenwood: Ex-United star declares war on Marseille chief | OneFootball

Mason Greenwood is on the verge of an explosive fallout with Olympique de Marseille chief Medhi Benatia, which could have significant ramifications at Old Trafford, according to the latest report from France.

Mutiny in Marseille

The French giant crashed out of the Champions League in humiliating fashion on Wednesday night, losing 3-0 to Club Brugge to allow Benfica to steal ahead of them on goal difference after an insane finish in the match against Real Madrid.

After the defeat, Benatia, Marseille’s sporting director, was furious in his assessment of the team, demanding a reaction for the remainder of the campaign.

“I hope that the players are aware that tonight is a professional foul,” the former defender scathingly remarked. “I’ve lost games in my career, I’ve rarely felt that sense of shame, being able to concede six goals in two games. I want it to have consequences on the rest of the season.”

In a sharp twist, it was then reported that Roberto De Zerbi – a leading candidate to become Manchester United’s head coach this summer – had offered to resign, such was the Italian’s disappointment with the performance.

De Zerbi moved quickly to dismiss these rumours on Friday, however, insisting nothing was rotten in the state of Marseille and he wanted to remain manager for another “five to six years”.

“Nothing special. We lost an important match. We’re coming out of the Champions League. We have to try to understand. Pablo Longoria and Medhi Benatia, we spoke last night. We got together to try to find the best possible solution. This match is also partly my fault. We will do everything to get back on track. I’m still here,” the 46-year-old tactician said.

“We don’t make amends for the results but for the game. For the first question, I strongly wanted to come to Marseille. It’s the truth. There is also the share of responsibility. I was taught to take responsibility for things. I say to you, at the club, we played a bad game, that’s all. I don’t know if I’m the ideal coach for OM. From the point of view of results, we did some good things. But there is this lack of consistency.

“Otherwise, my players have always followed me. Yesterday I spoke to 7-8 players. I’ve always had a great relationship with my players. I continue to defend my players. There is no friction.

“I have the strength to stay in Marseille for another five or six years because I have the passion, I like it. The players support me. What annoys me is the defeat. It’s not a question of passion but of powerlessness. These are defeats that mark you, but the players have great human and sporting qualities.”

However, there is understood to be a complete breakdown in the relationship between Benatia and Greenwood, with the 24-year-old completely ignoring the executive – a development which will give INEOS concern.

Ignorance is not bliss

As part of the deal which saw Greenwood join Marseille for £26.7 million in 2024, United included a 50% sell-on clause on any profits from a future transfer.

This means, for example, if the Ligue 1 club were to sell the English forward for £80m this summer – a reasonable expectation, given reports of strong interest from Saudi Arabia and Spain’s elite – United would be entitled to £26.7m from Marseille’s profit on the deal, essentially doubling their initial earning from his exit.

Greenwood’s status as an academy graduate means this cash injection would constitute ‘pure profit’ at Old Trafford, ahead of a pivotal summer window for the Red Devils where every penny will count.

However, if their former player is engaged in an open war with the most influential figure at his new club, it does not bode well for his future – with French media reporting Greenwood has “openly ignored” Benatia and “doesn’t worry about any consequences”.

This unacceptable attitude would quickly create an untenable situation at the Orange Vélodrome, where Benatia may be forced to accelerate a sale of the team’s best player on the pitch, solely because of his actions off it. And in this scenario, an £80m transfer may quickly morph into a £50m compromise, which would radically reduce the profits United would otherwise have banked.

INEOS will be praying Greenwood allows his talking on the pitch to dictate his future this summer, rather than his cold shoulder to Benatia forcing a cut-price exit.

Feature image Miguel Medina via Getty Images

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