Mason Greenwood\u2019s pursuit of Didier Drogba\u2019s goalscoring mark at Marseille has hit a setback after Ligue 1 officials retroactively ruled his latest strike to be an own goal. The former Manchester United forward, who initially appeared to match Drogba\u2019s 19-goal tally for the club, now sits one short with three games remaining.<\/p>\n
Greenwood\u2019s effort in Marseille\u2019s 4-1 win over Brest was officially credited to Brest defender Brendan Chardonnet due to a decisive deflection, erasing the goal from the 23-year-old\u2019s season total. The Professional Football League (LFP) confirmed the change days after the match, leaving Greenwood needing another goal to equal Drogba\u2019s single-season record set over two decades ago.<\/p>\n
Despite a strong start with 16 goals and three assists in 27 appearances, Greenwood\u2019s Marseille stint has been turbulent. Manager Roberto De Zerbi has publicly criticized his \u201cnonchalance,\u201d \u201clack of effort,\u201d and inconsistency, dropping him from the starting XI in March due to concerns over his work rate and attitude. French outlet L\u2019\u00c9quipe previously lambasted a substitute performance as \u201cunrecognisable,\u201d awarding him a 2\/10 rating.<\/p>\n
While acknowledging Greenwood\u2019s potential, De Zerbi has emphasized the need for greater commitment: \u201cHe has to do more\u2026 sacrifice more and be more determined if he wants to become a champion\u201d. The forward\u2019s rare display of intense work rate in training ahead of a recent match drew praise, but De Zerbi stressed it was an exception rather than the norm.<\/p>\n
Greenwood\u2019s \u00a326.7m move to Marseille followed Manchester United\u2019s decision to sever ties after charges of attempted rape and assault were dropped in 2023^Original. His performances have polarized opinion, with fans unveiling critical banners urging him to \u201cget a move on\u201d during a match against Montpellier.<\/p>\n
With three games left, Greenwood has a narrow window to equal Drogba\u2019s record. However, his future at Marseille remains uncertain amid reported friction with staff and questions about his fit in De Zerbi\u2019s possession-focused system.<\/p>\n
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