Mason Greenwood was warned over the phone by Marseille boss before Man United transfer

Roberto De Zerbi has detailed the phone call that led to Mason Greenwood signing for Marseille.

The former Manchester United forward completed a £26.6million transfer to the French side last month. He could make his first competitive appearance for them when the Ligue 1 campaign gets underway on Saturday afternoon.

Greenwood spent last season on loan with Getafe. The 22-year-old Academy graduate saw a permanent exit from Old Trafford sanctioned by Ineos and key figures at United this summer.

ALSO READ: United injury news and possible return dates

ALSO READ: Pundits disagree over United's opening game

It was determined that Greenwood would be better-served continuing his career away from United after, initially, being suspended by the Premier League club upon being arrested in January 2022. The footballer faced allegations of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.

However, in February 2023, it was confirmed by The Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against the player, who vehemently denied any wrongdoing, had been dropped when key witnesses withdrew. Around 18 months on, the one-cap England international signed for Marseille.

His transfer was rubber-stamped despite protests from some Marseille fans and vocal opposition from the French city's mayor. De Zerbi has opened up on the transfer - which the former Brighton manager deemed a priority - in a chat with French publication L'Equipe.

De Zerbi said: "Greenwood is the first player I called. I spoke with his father, who must be the same age as me.

"I warned him about the demands of this club, telling him; 'Marseille in Marseille' and he replied; 'I remember the historic Marseille which played in European Cup finals'."

De Zerbi, who was tipped as a