Mason Greenwood scores four goals in a match as ex-Man Utd man gets immediate verdict

Mason Greenwood has been showered with praise from the European press following his spectacular four-goal performance that propelled Marseille to the top of Ligue 1 with a commanding 6-2 triumph over Le Havre. The ex-Manchester United striker etched his name into the French club's history books by finding the net four times during Saturday's electrifying clash at the Stade Velodrome.

Former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, who has previously faced challenges in unlocking Greenwood's full potential, saw his team go a goal down to the away side before the one-time England star restored parity from the spot. However, the true drama unfolded in the latter stages as fans witnessed five goals in a pulsating final 25 minutes.

Marseille exploited their man advantage following Gautier Lloris's dismissal in the 34th minute.

Greenwood, who was rumoured to be pursuing a return to the Premier League during the summer transfer window, proved to be the primary beneficiary as continental publications lauded his extraordinary showing.

Spanish publication AS dubbed him "A Greenwood from another planet" in their match report.

After registering 21 goals in France's premier division last season, the 24-year-old has already notched six goals in merely eight league outings this campaign.

French sports newspaper L'Equipe hailed Greenwood's display as "a near-perfect performance" as Marseille surged to the top of the table.

This occurred despite De Zerbi conceding his side's showing was far from polished for large spells of the contest.

Le Monde also highlighted the standing ovation that greeted Greenwood as he departed the pitch in the 79th minute.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was also criticised for wasting what should have been a certain goal following a "golden pass" from his English colleague.

Marseille capitalised on their rivals' failings earlier this weekend.

Champions Paris Saint-Germain surrendered points following a 3-3 draw at home to Strasbourg on Friday, whilst Lyon also faltered after a 3-2 defeat at Nice on Saturday.

In contrast, Marseille has now claimed five consecutive Ligue 1 wins and sits ahead of PSG by a solitary point for the time being.

L'Equipe also stressed the significance of his four-goal contribution at the Stade Velodrome.

The previous Marseille player to score four in a Ligue 1 fixture was French legend Jean-Pierre Papin, who achieved that same feat in a 7-0 thrashing of Lyon back in 1991.

He also enters exclusive company after taking his Ligue 1 tally to 27 goals in just over one season.

The previous English player to reach that milestone in France was Glenn Hoddle, who spent four years at Monaco between 1987 and 1991.

Marseille will encounter a far sterner test when they travel to Lens next weekend. However, it's evident that Greenwood, who made a £26.5million switch from Getafe to Marseille last year, will be instrumental if Les Olympiens are to secure their first league title since 2010.