da luck： Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi has vowed to publicly defend Mason Greenwood as if he was his own child should he join from Manchester United.

da bet nacional： Article continues below

Article continues below

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Marseille make offer for GreenwoodFans have voiced their anger at linksDe Zerbi vows to stick by forwardWHAT HAPPENED?

Marseille have reportedly made an offer for the 22-year-old forward, but the news of his potential transfer has angered many of the Ligue 1 team's supporters, who launched a social media campaign to make it clear that he is not welcome at the club.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Greenwood was to face charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive and controlling behaviour before they were eventually dropped in February 2023. United opted to loan him to Getafe last season due to fears that bringing him back into Erik ten Hag's team would spark anger among fans and staff. The Red Devils have seemingly given up on the idea of him returning to Old Trafford amid interest from many teams across Europe, but backlash awaits any team that attempts to sign him, as De Zerbi and Marseille have found out.

WHAT DE ZERBI SAID

De Zerbi, however, is not concerned about the criticism his team face. Asked about the prospect of Greenwood joining the French side amid the response to the reports, the Italian told reporters: "The only thing I can say is that when a player signs for the club where I work, I consider him as my child. I protect him through thick and thin, even if I can pull his ear in private, I will defend him publicly. My players are like my sons."

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR GREENWOOD?

The one-time England international will hope to have his future clarified soon so that he can continue his career after scoring eight goals and registering six assists in La Liga for Getafe.