It did not go unnoticed that, as Ruben Amorim took training for the first time, the Manchester United boss seemed to take a keen interest in one Red Devil in particular.
While Amorim is imparting advice onto Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo – instructing the duo on how to better receive the ball and create angles for passes – Erik ten Hag’s replacement was also heard shouting a few words of praise in the direction of a man who’s Manchester United career has faced more obstacles than an Iron Man obsessive does in a year’s training.
A year and a half after joining in a £55 million deal from Chelsea, Mason Mount’s tally of Premier League starts in a Red Devils shirt stands at a measly seven.
And while the all-action England international does feel like one of the United players best suited to Ruben Amorim’s high-pressing, high-intensity style – especially given that he likes to utilise two number tens behind a central striker – Mount will continue to contribute very little if he cannot put those endless injury issues behind him.
Yet, back at Carrington after another spell on the sidelines, Mount is clearly making a good impression on Amorim.
Mason Mount urged to consider Manchester United exit already
The former Sporting boss was heard praising his ‘good movement’ in training, Mount making one of those trademark runs into the penalty area.
The seldom-seen 25-year-old has a long old way to go, though, before he can win over those writing him off as a flop worthy of mention alongside Antony, Jadon Sancho and co.
Bojan Krkic Sr, the experienced scout who previously worked as a talentspotter for Barcelona and Manchester City, is struggling to envisage a scenario in which Mount’s Old Trafford career turns into a story of redemption.
“[Mount is a] great talent with an extraordinary technical level and capable of playing in several positions,” Bojan Sr, father of the ex-Barca striker by the same name, tells Sport.
“His performance at Chelsea was extraordinary and led him to be a starter in England. But, at United, he is not a starter.”
Bojan Sr feels that, even when Mount is back to full sharpness, the 2021 Champions League winner will struggle to nail down a regular starting berth ahead of Bruno Fernandes.
Amorim does like to utilise two roving playmakers behind his number nine. Though Mount also faces competition from Amad Diallo, Marcus Rashford and potentially Alejandro Garnacho too.
Amorim is already a big fan of Amad, it is reported.
Mason Mount could face Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo battle
“Bruno Fernandes is his competition. But Mount is top, so he should look for minutes to have continuity and show his quality,” adds the one-time City scout.
“If he plays, he will.”
Mount has not featured in a Premier League match since Man United’s 3-0 home defeat by Tottenham Hotspur at the end of September.
He should be in contention for Amorim’s debut match in charge, however, as Leny Yoro hopes to make his comeback against Ipswich Town too.
According to The Telegraph, meanwhile, Man United’s bosses hope Amorim’s arrival can put Mount back on track. The 39-year-old is expected to be handed a rather limited budget compared to that of predecessor Erik ten Hag, Amorim tasked with getting more out of the underperforming talent already at his disposal rather than spend heavily on another extensive rebuild.
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