Mason Greenwood transfer in doubt? Man Utd outcast reconsidering Marseille switch after mayor says move would be 'unbearable'

Manchester United and Marseille reached an agreement over a deal worth a total of €31.6 million (£27m/$34m) for the England international, it was reported on Tuesday. However, the French side have not yet struck a deal with the 22-year-old, and the move is in danger of falling through.

Greenwood remains a controversial figure because of the charges of alleged attempted rape, assault, and coercive and controlling behaviour that were raised against him before being dropped in February 2023. When the talk of a possible move for Greenwood first emerged, Marseille fans launched a social media campaign to show that the forward is not welcome at the club in an attempt to block it.

Then, on Tuesday, the mayor of Marseille slammed the deal as "unbearable" and said: "Can you imagine, violence against women? Do you realise that? And he claims to play for Olympique de Marseille, Greenwood? It’s a disgrace. I will ask the president of Olympique de Marseille not to recruit Greenwood. I don’t want my club to be covered in the shame. It’s not acceptable."

Now, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, the backlash has caused the United academy graduate to pause talks with the Ligue 1 team, though Marseille are not giving up on signing him. Asked about the controversial deal, new coach Roberto De Zerbi said he would publicly defend Greenwood like one of his own children if he were to join the club.

Greenwood will have to consider his options as he looks to continue his career away from Old Trafford. The likes of Lazio, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid have been linked to the player who impressed while on loan at Getafe last season.