Mason Mount made his first appearance for Manchester United today as we beat Leeds 2-0 in the first pre-season of the summer. Speaking to MUTV after the game, Mount reflected on his first week at Carrington and getting to grips with Erik ten Hag’s tactics.
It was very good. We’ve had a week of training so it’s great to get that first game. We’ve been working very hard so it’s good to now put it in to practice. We’ve definitely been working on a few tactics coming in to the game. That first week is mostly focused on getting the legs going, getting the distance in, the legs running, preparing for these games, but now I’ve definitely got a good understanding of how the manager wants to work and how the boys play. Now it’s using these games to work at it more. I thought in the second half when the younger boys came on they were amazing. It’s really exciting for the club to see them come on and do this as well.
There has been some speculation over which position Mount will play in for United and today we saw a glimpse of what to expect. While he did fall deep at times to collect the ball, he was often seen leading the attack, and almost had a goal to his name after winning back position an attempting an audacious chip which landed on the roof of the net.
I really like the role I played today. Being able to drop in deep and get the ball to start the play from a bit deeper, but also having that freedom to get forward and get in the box, try and make the runs in from behind, and help the press from the front. I really enjoy that position, being able to do both sides, and also try to start off the press. I nearly had that chance just starting off the press and going from the front as well. I thought it worked really well. We’ve had a tough week but great to have that 45 minutes in the tank.
United’s first game was in Oslo and Mount talked about how great it was to see the crowd in Norway coming out to support the team.
I’ve seen it first hand. When we turned up last night and then at the stadium today there was amazing support. They came out and showed up for us today. It’s amazing to see. This is what we want to play for. We want to make them proud. Good start today, good win. Like I said, it’s important to get the minutes in the legs but it’s important to win as well, because that’s what we want to do this season. Good start.
Ten Hag was also asked by MUTV about his impressions of Mount’s first appearance and he was pleased with what he saw.
Oh great, first time but we could expect this. I think, for him, it’s just his first, because he has so much skills. I’m sure we will take so much joy from him. He will contribute to our performance, absolutely.
