Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount started in the team’s opening fixture of the Premier League season, for the second year in a row.
Last season’s opening game was a 1-0 win for Manchester United against Wolves, which Erik ten Hag’s side were very lucky to win.
The next match was a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham, with questions being asked about Mason Mount’s role in the team after both matches.
The narrative has stuck since, compounded by serious injury problems for Mount in 2023/24, which meant he struggled to get a fair crack at showing he does have a place in this Manchester United team.
Mason Mount’s best position still unclear
Mason Mount was back in the Manchester United line-up to start the 2024/25 season, this time playing in an unusual role amid a new formation.
United’s system saw the team line-up with a striker, with Rasmus Hojlund injured, using the same system deployed in the FA Cup Final.
Mount and Fernandes played as ‘false nines’, dropping back into midfield, with United beating Fulham 1-0, a scoreline which actually flattered the visiting side.
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand Presents, former Chelsea assistant boss Jody Morris talked about Mount, a player he is still in contact with, and discussed his best position.
Morris said: “I spoke to him a couple of days ago and he said he’s feeling sharp again and feels good, I think that’s going to be a huge lift for Man United.”
He admitted that the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo makes it a little trickier for Mount to get into the United team.
He said: “For me Mase is a number eight. If he plays false nine, or a great number 10 in a certain team, getting on the ball enough, and obviously if you’re a pressing team Mase is outstanding at that.
“I just worry if you’re playing false nines, that the game doesn’t go through him enough.”
Mount performed well in the role against Fulham at Old Trafford, coming close to scoring early in the second half and breaking the deadlock.
Morris also pointed out that he felt criticism of Mount early last season proved misguided, given the problems Manchester United experienced throughout 2023/24 with being too open.
He said: “I remember at the beginning of last season there was so-called pundits talking, about how Man United are just way too open when you play Mason and when you play Bruno [Fernandes].
“You’d have to say that’s a fair comment at the beginning of the season – but what you then don’t hear them do is say, ‘they remained open for the rest of the season which had nothing to do with Mason’.”
Mason Mount for England
Scott McTominay’s potential departure could be good news for Mason Mount, removing some of the competition for places in midfield.
Mount needs to play regularly and stay fit, and he has shown positive signs by racking up minutes during pre-season.
Morris believes Mount is good enough to get back into the England team, commenting: “I love the kid as a player and as a lad and you’d want him to do well.
“If he starts playing to he level he can, and he plays regularly, he can get in the England team.”
If Mount stays fit, then getting him into the Manchester United team becomes a positive problem for Erik ten Hag to have. The best is yet to come from him.
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