Roberto De Zerbi vows to defend Mason Greenwood 'like his son' as Manchester United outcast edges closer to Marseille transfer

Olympique Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has told Manchester United outcast Mason Greenwood that he will be treated 'like his son' should the Englishman join his club. The 22-year-old Bradford-born forward has been left out of the Manchester United first team since he was accused of attempted rape and assault nearly three years ago.

The forward, who bagged a single cap for the Three Lions, was considered one of the most highly talented young players in the world before his issues came to light. He had by then scored 35 goals and provided 12 assists in 129 games for the Red Devils.

However, he spent the last season on loan in La Liga with Getafe where he impressed with 10 goals and six assists. He is now closing in no a move to Marseille this summer, with both clubs reaching an agreement, as per journalist David Ornstein.

Despite murmurs of disapproval, the Ligue 1 side have seemingly pressed on with their intention to sign the forward. And De Zerbi has sent out a favorable message to the 22-year-old, saying in a recent press conference (via Fotmob):

"Mason is a world-class player but we have not recruited him yet. I don't know what happened but I am not used to get involved in my players' private life. But if he comes here, you have to know that I treat all my players like my sons. I can tell them off in private but I would never attack them in public."

Manchester United are keen to finalize the sale of Mason Greenwood this summer, with Ornstein claiming that a €31.6m (including add-ons) fee has been decided upon.

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Marseille mayor blasts the potential signing of Mason Greenwood from Manchester United

The mayor of Marseille, Benoît Payan has blasted the club's decision to pursue Manchester United's Mason Greenwood as a transfer target. The politician believes the forward does not represent the values of the club following his off-field issues.

Speaking to RMC, the politician said:

“It’s a disgrace. Greenwood's behaviour is unspeakable, unacceptable. Hitting his wife... I saw images that deeply shocked me. Attacking his wife in this way is unworthy of a man and I believe he cannot have a place in this team.

"The values of Marseille and the values of Olympique de Marseille are anything but that. It's anything but racism, anti-Semitism. It's anything but... can you imagine, violence against women? Do you realise that? And he wants to play for Olympique de Marseille, Greenwood? It's a disgrace."

Payan concluded, saying:

"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 of someone who hits his wife. I don't want my club to be covered in the ashes of someone who hits his wife like that. It's not acceptable."

Despite his protests, it is unlikely that his complaints will stop Olympique Marseille from signing Mason Greenwood from Manchester United.