Manchester United fans are expecting a major improvement when Ruben Amorim begins his first full Premier League season.
Ruben Amorim’s summer transfer window had to be a positive one – and it’s started positively.
Matheus Cunha has joined United from Wolverhampton Wanderers, adding major quality to United’s attacking ranks.
The Brazilian racked up 15 goals and six assists last season and will take one of the two number 10 roles in Amorim’s setup.
United are still trying to recruit another player to feature as a number 10, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo keen on a move to Old Trafford.
Joshua Zirkzee and Bruno Fernandes are also options in that area of the pitch, but we cannot forget about Mason Mount either.
Mason Mount has one more season to save his Manchester United career
Mount joined United from Chelsea in 2023 and big things were expected of the attacking midfielder as Erik ten Hag lured him to Old Trafford.
Mount’s Chelsea exit was somewhat acrimonious, and the 2022-23 season was not his best.
The England international hoped to get his career back on track at Old Trafford, but that has yet to happen.
Injuries have plagued Mount throughout his two-year spell with United, limiting him to just 46 appearances for United.
Now heading into his third season as a United player, this coming campaign really is make or break for Mount.
Amorim has previously praised Mount, highlighting his intelligence when breaking from midfield to attack the box.
Mount also thrived as a number 10 in a similar system under Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea, so Amorim’s style appears to suit him perfectly.
Mount is effective in terms of pressing and does possess moments of magic around the box, as we saw with a brilliant goal against Athletic Club below.
Amorim gave Mount the nod in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, but he didn’t really make the desired impact outside of a few nice touches.
Now 26, Mount must do two things: prove his availability over long stretches of the season and impact games when he does play.
The system suits Mount and Amorim appears to be a fan, but patience will not continue indefinitely.
If Mount still hasn’t kicked on and made himself a key part of Amorim’s plans by the end of the 2025-26 season, he will run out of track at Old Trafford and find himself on the chopping block.
Mason Mount faces increased competition
We would love to see Mount finally come good at United, but Amorim’s recruitment highlights that he isn’t being relied upon ahead of the new season.
Cunha played as a number 10 in a 3-4-2-1 system at Wolves and will slot right into the United starting XI.
Mbeumo isn’t an absolutely perfect fit as a number 10, but the Brentford star is a smart and versatile player, meaning we will likely see plenty of him in that role.
Bruno Fernandes can play in an advanced position and United appear to be keeping Joshua Zirkzee, who impressed as a number 10 more than he did as a striker.
Mount is in a real battle for minutes next season, and he really must step up and show just why United invested so much money in him just two years ago.
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