Erik ten Hag might have suggested where he sees Mason Mount lining up for Manchester United in the near future after a difficult start for the midfielder.
Mason Mount has struggled at Manchester United since his move to the club from Chelsea for a fee of £55 million.
Erik ten Hag started the midfielder during the early stages of the season but a muscular injury meant he was missing for around a month. Since that injury, the 24-year-old has been in and out of the side.
Fans are beginning to wonder why Ten Hag signed the Englishman but a quote from the Dutchman during his time at Ajax may well have hinted why he was brought to the club after all.
Ten Hag quotes
During his time at Ajax, the 53-year-old was praised for his attacking football and his possession-based footballing identity.
One philosophy, that the Dutchman abided by during his time in the Netherlands,was the use of two number tens which may well hint at where he sees Mount fitting into his side.
“We call that creating several tens, getting balls in between the lines,” the Dutchman said speaking to Ajax club media. “You see that in movements off the ball. Liverpool are masters of this in the Premier League.
“Creating space for each other with off-the-ball runs is crucial. In order to destroy the opponent you need off-the-ball runs, that’s the most important thing for your team’s success.”
Mount’s role
Judging by these quotes given by the Dutchman, Mount’s role in the team may well be to play alongside Bruno Fernandes in the advanced ten role, which may bring the best out of United’s attack.
In fact, during the opening stages of the new Premier League season, Mount and Fernandes were lining up together high up the pitch but because of Casemiro’s struggles and his lack of mobility, United were carved apart easily.
In an interview this week Paul Scholes theorised Ten Hag simply wanted as many attacking players on the pitch as possible, and this fits in with that.
During the Summer transfer window, with Paul Mitchell potentially assisting Ten Hag, the hope will be that the Red Devils can identify a defensive midfield option to replace Casemiro, one who can provide the energy and legs in the middle of the park to cover for the two number 10’s.
Perhaps SL Benfica midfielder Joao Neves could be the option that United pursue.
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