Mason Mount role at Manchester United has completely changed, Erik ten Hag has to figure him out

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Manchester United are on a winning streak with the team showing shades of last season’s impressive run under Erik ten Hag.

Erik ten Hag has found a winning formula at Manchester United, for now, with the team unbeaten in 2024 and yesterday recorded a statement win over Aston Villa away from home.

Ten Hag made only one change to the team which beat West Ham a week ago, and this was an enforced one, due to Lisandro Martinez’s injury.

It’s clear the manager knows his preferred starting XI, with his first choice midfield consisting of Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.

Where does Mason Mount fit in at Manchester United

One of the odd men out is Mason Mount, who is not currently fit. The former Chelsea midfielder has not played for Manchester United since November 11.

The trouble for Mount is, there is no obvious place for him in Manchester United’s XI when he is fit.

When Manchester United signed him, the intention was to play him as part of a trio alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes. This is a position where Mount is on record saying it is his best one.

But early on for Manchester United, it just did not work. Paul Scholes summed it up well when he said Mount unbalanced the team.

The role has now been taken by Kobbie Mainoo, and you could argue Sofyan Amrabat would be ahead of him too, or even Christian Eriksen.

When Mount comes into the team, how does he justify a spot ahead of Mainoo? Well, simply put, he doesn’t right now.

Instead his role has changed, and Mount may simply be considered as a back-up to Bruno Fernandes in attacking midfield. This is a position many would contend is actually his best one.

He could in theory play out wide, but with Alejandro Garnacho thriving on the right and Marcus Rashford on the left, this is not a position where there is any long term value for Mount.

Next season a fresh start for Mason Mount

Mason Mount’s real role will only become clear at Manchester United in the years to come, with the midfield expected to undergo changes.

Casemiro is no guarantee to be here next season, and Mount will get a chance to stake his claim then. He likely won’t be heading to Euro 2024 and can get a full pre-season under his belt.

There are also long-term questions over Bruno Fernandes, who is 29. Mount is four years younger at 25. Will be start to eventually force the Portuguese ace out of the side, or simply outlast him?

It is up to Erik ten Hag and Mason Mount to figure this out together, but he should not be forced back into the team. He must be patient.

Just because he cost £55 million and wears the number shirt, Manchester United do not owe Mason Mount. Instead he must repay the club’s faith in him, and provide a return on the investment, by working hard, grabbing every opportunity he gets, and starting to demonstrate how he can add value to the team, once he is finally fit.

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