MASON GREENWOOD fired a rapid debut double including a third-minute stunner as Marseille thumped Brest 5-1.
But the former Manchester United striker was denied the perfect opportunity for a Ligue 1 hat-trick.
Greenwood netted a calm penalty for his second goal on the half-hour – but team-mate Elye Wahi was handed spot-kick duties when Marseille later won another spot-kick.
But after watching the 22-year-old instantly swagger into his stride in the French top flight, one United fan posted on X: “I’m glad we include a buy back option to his deal!“
Supporters on social media labelled Greenwood’s opener an “unbelievable strike” and “brilliant”.
And another Red Devils’ supporter raved: “What a goal – man, I miss him.”
A fellow United follower claimed: “No player in our current squad can score this.”
Similar verdicts followed, such as: “Greenwood should return!” and “I miss him every day”.
The one-cap Englishman impressed on loan for LaLiga team Getafe last season.
And he found his feet in Ligue 1 just moments after first planting them on the pitch at Brest.
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Greenwood burst forward from the right flank, only 15 metres inside the home team’s half.
He then peaked his direct surge beyond two players by drilling the ball low into the far corner.
Luis Henrique made it 2-0 before Greenwood calmly sent Brest keeper Marco Bizot the wrong way from the spot for Marseille’s third
Mahdi Camara cut the home side’s deficit deep into first-half stoppage time.
But Brazilian frontman Hernandez completed his own double early in the second period.
French winger Wahi then tucked home the visitors’ second penalty on 69 minutes to put Marseille top of the table after day one of the French top flight.
However, fans believe it’s Greenwood in particular who is on the up.
“He’s gonna cook,” said one, while another supporter suggested: “We missed a generational talent.”
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