Mason Greenwood has been a key player for Marseille since his arrival from Manchester United in the summer of 2024

Manchester United could benefit from the situation at Marseille, which may involve a shock sale of academy graduate Mason Greenwood. The forward has impressed with his performances since leaving United in the summer of 2024.

The 24-year-old has scored 24 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions for Marseille this season. That has led to some speculation over his future, with several European clubs including Napoli and Atletico Madrid being linked with an interest.

Chaos at Marseille over the last few weeks could lead to a sale becoming more likely. Manager Roberto De Zerbi left his position following the 5-0 loss against Paris Saint-Germain last month.

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There was then the exit and U-turn of sporting director Medhi Benatia. There are reports of a poor relationship between the director and Greenwood, making a potential exit more likely.

L’Equipe, via Get French Football News, reports that Marseille are looking to offload several key players in the summer, with Greenwood their highest valued asset.

It’s added that a move to Saudi Arabia is a ‘real possibility’, which would be a huge surprise, given the European interest in the player.

Any sale, whoever that is to, would be good news for United and provide a financial boost for the club going into the summer transfer window. When Greenwood was sold to the French club 18 months ago, they received a fee of £26.6 million.

But United also added significant sell-on clause as part of the deal. Given that Marseille are likely to make a tidy profit on the forward should they sell, then United should also get a windfall in the millions.

According to Transfermarkt, Greenwood’s market value continues to grow, with it currently sitting at €50 million (£43.3m).

That value is the same he was rated at before his situation at United changed, following his arrest and charge for attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault. The charges were later dropped.

That would come as a welcome surprise to whoever is appointed as the permanent manager. Michael Carrick is currently in the role on an interim basis, and has been one of the names linked with taking the role in the summer.

Medhi Benatia has made a dramatic U-turn at Marseille amid reported tensions with former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood

Medhi Benatia has performed a dramatic about-turn and will stay at Marseille just days after announcing his departure. The French club’s sporting director, who has reportedly had disagreements with former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood, made his exit official following Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Strasbourg, but club owner Frank McCourt has declared he will be remaining.

The 38-year-old revealed via Instagram that he would be leaving the club, having handed in his resignation before Roberto De Zerbi’s departure. However, McCourt, through a press release, has confirmed he is going nowhere and will take on expanded duties that will see him supervising “the entirety of sporting activities.”

It has been a turbulent and somewhat catastrophic few weeks for Marseille with back-to-back 3-0 losses in the Champions League seeing them finish outside the top 32. They have also failed to win in three Ligue 1 matches which included a 5-0 thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain and surrendering a two-goal advantage against Strasbourg.

Supporter demonstrations have also occurred in the past week with De Zerbi’s departure and the absence of clear direction leading to fans choosing not to be in the Stade Velodrome for kick-off this past weekend. Benatia remaining could help restore some stability to the club particularly as they continue searching for a new head coach.

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However, the former Roma centre-back has been embroiled in a controversy involving Greenwood. Despite being hailed as the club’s standout player and receiving public support from De Zerbi, it has been reported in France that he had a falling out with Benatia.

French publication L’Equipe has alleged that the pair were not on speaking terms, with Benatia criticising Greenwood’s conduct both on and off the pitch.

The report suggested that the club chief was irritated by the 24-year-old disregarding commercial obligations without concern for potential repercussions. Given these allegations, it seems unlikely that Greenwood will be pleased with Benatia retaining his position and gaining more influence within the club.

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One player likely to welcome the surprising reversal is Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri. It’s understood that Benatia played a crucial role in negotiating the loan deal alongside president Pablo Longori.

The exact reasons behind Benatia’s change of heart remain unclear, but it appears that drastic action would have been taken based on his departure statement.

Part of his announcement said: “I sense a growing dissatisfaction, a breakdown in communication that I deeply regret. In Marseille, results are the only true measure.

“You know my frankness and transparency. Therefore, given the tensions surrounding the management, I have indeed submitted (not offered) my resignation, because in my opinion, the club will always come before individuals, and I do not want my presence to become an obstacle or a burden to the organisation and its development.

“I leave with the feeling of having done my utmost professionally, but with the regret of not having been able to calm the atmosphere around the team, which, in my opinion, is more than capable of achieving the set objectives.”

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Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia has resigned from his role amid reports of a falling out with former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood.

Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia has stepped down from his position following recent reports of tensions with former Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood.

The Ligue 1 chief has departed the club as pressure mounts at Marseille during a turbulent spell, which has also seen Roberto De Zerbi exit. De Zerbi left following their 5-0 hammering by rivals Paris-Saint Germain, with the club in fourth place, and after missing out on the next phase of the Champions League in dramatic circumstances.

Benatia, a former Moroccan international who enjoyed a distinguished playing career at clubs including Bayern Munich, AS Roma and Juventus, confirmed his departure amid the ongoing issues.

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He said in a statement: “Since arriving at the club, I have always acted with heart and a single obsession: to restore Olympique de Marseille to its rightful place. I know this club, I know what it demands and the passion that drives it.

“Today, we are still in the running. The objective of qualifying for the Champions League is clearly within our reach, and we are still in contention to bring the Coupe de France home.

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“Despite recent setbacks and some cruel twists of fate, the project is progressing on the pitch, but I cannot ignore the current climate.

“I sense a growing dissatisfaction, a breakdown in communication that I deeply regret. In Marseille, results are the only true measure.

“You know my frankness and transparency. Therefore, given the tensions surrounding the management, I have indeed submitted (not offered) my resignation, because in my opinion, the club will always come before individuals, and I do not want my presence to become an obstacle or a burden to the organisation and its development.

“I leave with the feeling of having done my utmost professionally, but with the regret of not having been able to calm the atmosphere around the team, which, in my opinion, is more than capable of achieving the set objectives.”

Reports suggest Benatia clashed with Greenwood. The English forward has been with the French side since 2024 and has become a pivotal figure for the club, and whilst De Zerbi was publicly supporting him, it has been claimed that Greenwood and Benatia’s relationship had deteriorated.

L’Equipe reported that the two would deliberately blank each other, whilst the 38-year-old was understood to be openly critical of the attacker both on and off the field.

The reports allege that Benatia was frustrated by Greenwood’s disregard for commercial obligations last summer, showing little care for the ramifications. De Zerbi now finds himself amongst available managers, though this comes at a fascinating time with both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur searching for permanent bosses.

The Italian has previously been linked with the Old Trafford position, and it was reported that he was under consideration for the United role following his impressive tenure at Brighton, before the club chose Erik ten Hag.

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