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Mason Mount, a big-money signing and atop Erik ten Hag’s summer wishlist, should now be given a real run in the team.
Manchester United have spent over £400m since making Erik ten Hag their manager. The Dutchman has made some superb signings in the form of Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund. However, there have been some poor additions made alongside the good ones.
It’s fair to say that no manager will hit a home run every single time, while the new signings are moving into a dressing room that’s low on confidence right now. It’s why Mason Mount hasn’t yet been allowed to flourish.
I’ll start by saying this. Mount is an outstanding footballer. He works his socks off for the cause, is excellent defensively and is sublime when passing in between the lines. We’ve only seen glimpses of his quality so far. Partly due to injury.
The England international has remained a bench player for the last few weeks due to Scott McTominay’s goal-scoring form, but we’ve all seen this story before, the Scotland international’s goals will dry up sooner rather than later. While McTominay’s derby performance was hardly awe-inspiring.
What was baffling to me is the fact that Mount, a Ten Hag top target, wasn’t involved in the Manchester derby. These are the types of matches he was signed for due to his on-field attitude and work ethic. Why did the Dutchman choose not to utilise his man? That’s a question we’ll never know the answer to.
As they say, there is no time like the present. The £55m United star has no doubt been chomping at the bit and he does deserve a real run in the starting line-up to prove his worth. Here’s why.
Attitude. Mount always plays with genuine desire and positive work ethic. It’s something that our United midfielders haven’t brought to the table so far this season. The likes of Christian Eriksen, the aforementioned McTominay and even Casemiro have been bypassed far too easily this term. Mount would not give opposing players that chance as he’s always so tough-tight in defence. He’s also more than willing to lead the press.
Hunger. Mount has a point to prove after his Chelsea failings. He was involved in an unstable side over at Stamford Bridge, which is partly why he wanted a change of scenery. It hasn’t been an ideal start here in Manchester, but there’s still time for the club to turn it around.
He’s Ten Hag’s man. Forget a striker, new centre-back or even a goalkeeper. The gaffer wanted Mount in through the door first, before other glaring holes within the squad were even looked at. Why go through so much stress and strain if you’re not going to start your number one option? Perhaps it’s due to the fact that he has recently been injured and he wants to manage Mount’s minutes, but sooner or later, he has to place real trust in the England midfielder and let him do what he does best.
Quality chance creation is partly why United have been struggling so badly. A fully fit and confident Mount would absolutely help in that regard, particularly with how poor Bruno Fernandes has been playing this season. Honestly, I’m not sure what Ten Hag has to lose by giving Mount a real run in the team.
It should all start with a Carabao Cup game at home to Newcastle United tomorrow. I truly hope it does, otherwise this situation could turn ugly, for both player and club.
No doubt Mount is incredibly frustrated at his situation, too. He turned down interest from both Liverpool and Arsenal to make the move to the Theatre of Dreams. Let’s hope Ten Hag gives him his chance soon, to avoid it becoming a nightmare…
Do you think Mason Mount is good enough for Man United? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
