Marseille’s Mason Greenwood Reunites with Ex-Man Utd Teammates for Grassroots Training Session

Ex-Manchester United star spotted training at local grounds with Kobbie Mainoo and James Garner during off-season break

Manchester, June 2025 Amid the off-season break in Ligue 1, Olympique Marseille forward Mason Greenwood made a surprise return to Manchester. Rather than opting for elite training facilities, the 23-year-old was spotted working out on a local council playing field alongside former Manchester United youth team colleagues, including D’Mani Mellor, Kobbie Mainoo, and possibly James Garner.

Photos and reports show Greenwood, who wrapped up his first season in France with an impressive 21 league goals joint top of Ligue 1 alongside PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé engaging in sprint drills and shooting practice on a 3G pitch at Chadderton FC or similar grassroots venues  .

The session, captured via local social media posts, reflects more than just a fitness commitment it’s a nod to strong bonds formed in Manchester United’s famed academy. Greenwood and Mellor, both products of that system, often cross paths during off-seasons. Mainoo, currently breaking through as a first-team midfielder at United, also joined, suggesting this was a nostalgic yet purposeful get-together.

 Why It Matters

Kobbie Mainoo spotted training in Manchester with #MUAcademy graduates James Garner and Mason Greenwood ⚽️

📸 Eamonn & James Clarke/@MailSport pic.twitter.com/7VBfpfJCZK

— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) July 1, 2025

Elite Performance Meets GrassrootsDespite Marseille’s professional setup, Greenwood chose grassroots training with trusted mates to maintain sharpness before pre-season. That decision underlines his focus ahead of Marseille’s Champions League campaign  .

Deep Academy Connections

The session highlights the enduring relationships formed in United’s youth system. Even Mainoo now a rising talent with 60+ senior appearances is reconnecting, showcasing strong unity among academy graduates  .

Transfer Market Ripples

Transfer rumors already swirl around Greenwood. With reported interest from Premier League clubs, as well as Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and even Saudi teams, this off-season appearance fuels speculation  .

Managerial Pressure at Marseille

Manager Roberto De Zerbi has issued public warnings for Greenwood to raise his intensity and consistency or risk being sidelined Greenwood reportedly received a two-month performance ultimatum earlier in the spring  .

Season Recap & Contract Context

Debut Season in Ligue 1: 21 goals and 6 assists in 34 appearances, tying for the top scorer position  .

Debut Impact: Scored braces in early matches, with two goals on debut vs. Brest and quickfire double vs. Toulouse drawing comparisons to early bursts from Mario Balotelli  .

Transfer Fee & Contract: Signed permanently in July 2024 for approximately £26–30 million and locked in through 2029  .

Champions League Aspirations: Greenwood himself declared his ambition to stay in Marseille to compete at Europe’s highest level, recently firing the club into the Champions League via a stunning strike vs. Le Havre  .

What Comes Next

Pre-season Return: Unless a big move materializes, Greenwood is expected back with Marseille in early July for full pre-season preparation.

Performance Deadline: With De Zerbi fixated on consistency, this summer may mark a turning point either reclaiming status or fueling transfers.

Transfer Saga Continues: Whether Premier League return, La Liga switch, or a shift to Saudi Arabia, clubs will monitor his intensity and output closely.

Final Take: Greenwood’s off-season training in Manchester isn’t just casual football it’s a strategic move rooted in past bonds and present ambition. With season-defining pressure at Marseille, transfer speculation intensifying, and Champions League dreams on the horizon, this low-profile session could be high stakes for Greenwood’s future.