Greenwood returns to England with Fenerbahce after 1,730 days away from English football

Mason Greenwood is set to play in England for the first time in nearly five years when Fenerbahce travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa in the Champions League on Wednesday. The 25-year-old last appeared on English soil on 19 January 2022, coming off the bench in Manchester United’s 3-1 win at Brentford — 1,730 days before his scheduled return.

Days after that appearance, Greenwood was arrested and charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling behaviour, and assault. Those charges were dropped on 2 February 2023, with the Crown Prosecution Service citing the withdrawal of key witnesses and the emergence of new material.

Following an internal investigation, United chose to loan Greenwood to Spanish side Getafe for the 2023-24 season. He responded with 10 goals and six assists, attracting interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid before French club Marseille moved decisively, signing him permanently from United for €31.6 million (£26.6m). The deal included a sell-on clause reported to be worth 40 per cent, and United had held Greenwood on their books since he was seven years old.

Marseille’s signing drew immediate criticism, including from the city’s mayor, who publicly urged the club not to complete the deal. Greenwood nonetheless settled quickly under manager Roberto De Zerbi, scoring 22 goals in his debut season as Marseille qualified for the Champions League. He improved on that tally in his second campaign, netting 26 times to finish as the club’s top scorer for a second consecutive year.

Despite that output, Marseille opted to sell. With De Zerbi having departed the Stade Vélodrome in February and the club finishing fifth, financial pressures mounted. Reports also indicated tension between Greenwood and sections of the support, with critics pointing to what they described as a poor attitude. Both club and player agreed a parting was in the best interests of all parties.

Fenerbahce paid €39 million (£33.3m) to bring him to Istanbul this summer. Marseille’s statement confirmed the move was “the result of a joint discussion between the player and the club, who mutually agreed to end their collaboration.”

Greenwood helped Fenerbahce reach the Champions League, setting up Wednesday’s tie at Villa Park — and his first appearance back on English soil since a night at the Brentford Community Stadium that, at the time, seemed entirely routine.