Mason Greenwood endured a nightmare return to English football as Aston Villa ran riot in a 6-0 win against his Fenerbahce side in the Champions League.
The 25-year-old played his first match in this country since he was suspended by Manchester United in January 2022 and he was taunted by the home fans at Villa Park, who enjoyed an electric performance by their side.
Villa were 3-0 up at half-time thanks to Johan Manzambi’s 21st birthday goal and a Nicolas Jackson double.
Ross Barkley added a second-half brace and Tammy Abraham completed the rout as the Turkish side were swatted aside, much to the glee of the Prince of Wales, who gave his royal seal of approval from the stands.
It was Villa’s biggest ever European win and earned them a first home success of the season, putting them in a position of strength in the early Champions League standings, with two victories from two and an inviting home game with Viking to come next week.
It has been four-and-a-half years since Greenwood last played in England and Villa fans were not going to let him forget the circumstances.
The winger’s last appearance for United came in January 2022 and eight days later he was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
He denied the charges and the CPS discontinued the case in February 2023.
He was subjected to heavy boos and derogatory chants by the Villa crowd in the opening period.
The home support soon turned their attention to celebrating a goal as Villa’s strong start was rewarded with a 12th-minute opener.
John McGinn’s corner landed at the feet of birthday boy Manzambi, whose shot deflected in off Milan Skriniar.
Fenerbahce’s response was good and they had chances to level but Vedat Muriqi was twice denied by Zion Suzuki, who also fielded a weak shot by Greenwood.
Villa doubled their lead in the 31st minute as Jackson opened his account.
Boubacar Kamara stole possession high up the pitch and fed the former Chelsea striker who drilled a low effort into the corner from 18 yards.
The Turkish side had been a constant threat and should have got one back soon after, but Oguz Aydin crashed his effort into the crossbar after stealing in behind the Villa backline.
Instead, it was Villa who were celebrating as they made it 3-0 in the 39th minute.
McGinn won the ball back and Barkley teed up Jackson, who picked his spot from a similar position to his first goal.
Villa had to wait until the 68th minute to go four up, though Jackson – who was on a hat-trick – did not step forward to take a penalty after Manzambi had been tripped by Ismail Yuksek.
Instead, Barkley slotted home and four minutes later he was celebrating again as his deflected effort from the edge of the area wrong-footed former Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson and went in.
Abraham sealed an emphatic victory in the 90th minute when he turned in from close range after impressive work from winger Alysson.
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