Mason Greenwood made a successful debut for Olympique de Marseille, scoring twice in a 5-1 victory over Brest, which head coach Roberto De Zerbi hopes will help mitigate the controversies surrounding the player. Greenwood, who left Manchester United after facing serious allegations including attempted rape, had his charges dropped in February 2023, allowing him to return to football. Despite the backlash from fans and the city's mayor, who opposed the signing due to Greenwood's past, De Zerbi defended his decision, stating he considers Greenwood an extraordinary talent. The player received a hostile reception during the match but managed to impress with his performance. De Zerbi emphasized that on-field success could quiet the media scrutiny surrounding Greenwood's history. The club president assured that due diligence was conducted prior to Greenwood’s signing amid concerns from various community groups.