The determination of Erik ten Hag was crucial in Manchester United’s pursuit and eventual acquisition of Mason Mount from Chelsea back in July of the year 2023. So utterly persuaded was the manager from the Netherlands regarding Mount’s significance to his envisioned style of play that he continues to hold the firm conviction that the midfielder’s absence during their period together at Old Trafford played a role in the events that led to Ten Hag’s dismissal.
In his tenure, Ten Hag saw Mount starting only seven Premier League matches, spanning a period of approximately 15 months. Even now, nearly a year later, the former United manager still entertains the notion that the situation might have unfolded differently had Mount been available more consistently.
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Despite having reintegrated into the United lineup recently, Mount’s struggles with injuries have not completely subsided since the arrival of Ruben Amorim. Consequently, the former Sporting CP manager finds himself in a similar predicament to Ten Hag, endeavoring to maximize the utilization of the England international while concurrently aiming to mitigate the likelihood of further absences. Even following his goal against Sunderland — his first of the season and his maiden Premier League goal at Old Trafford — Mount was taken off the field in the 66th minute.
The quality of his performance held no bearing. Instead, the decision had already been made that his playing time should not exceed an hour.
“He performed exceptionally well,” stated Amorim afterward. “He played a certain number of minutes because we need to be careful with a player like Mason who is making his way back from an injury.”
For Amorim, the potential benefits of keeping Mount on the field for an additional thirty minutes were outweighed by the risks, especially with a game against Liverpool at Anfield looming after the international break. It represents a potentially challenging commencement to a series of four matches, which also includes games against Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham Hotspur, a period that could play a decisive role in determining whether Amorim remains in charge during the Christmas season.
Mount was among the initial United players Amorim encountered at the club’s Carrington training facility upon his arrival in Manchester to succeed Ten Hag in November 2024. During another phase of injury rehabilitation, Mount was present in the gym at the training ground while the majority of his teammates were either on vacation or engaged in international duties. It marked the initial glimpse of a mindset that Amorim has come to appreciate.
The coach from Portugal has actively sought to purge what he perceived as detrimental influences within the dressing room. This resulted in the departures of both Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho. Mount, in contrast, has been showcased as an embodiment of the qualities he seeks in his squad. The England international has been a consistent presence at team meetings, even when sidelined by injury, in order to optimize his chances of seamlessly reintegrating into the team.
The 26-year-old frequently remains at Carrington longer than others due to the extended ice baths and sauna sessions he undergoes following training, all in an effort to maintain his fitness. Rather than traveling during the international break, he opted to spend the downtime with his family and pursue his interest in golf.
Mount has also voluntarily assisted other players in comprehending Amorim’s tactical system, drawing upon his experience of playing in a similar formation under Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea.
“I believe I possess the experience of playing a formation similar to what he [Amorim] favors,” he remarked after his goal against Sunderland. “I have employed it previously. Consequently, understanding the roles and what he seeks from the team resonates with me due to my prior experience.
“I believe that, particularly at the beginning, it was something that maybe [Amorim] could rely on me [for] because I am familiar with the positions.”
In addition to his understanding of the system, Mount provides Amorim with a distinct option. He was chosen to start against Sunderland in lieu of the £62.5 million summer acquisition, Matheus Cunha.
The decision was not easily made. Despite United’s struggles thus far this season, Cunha has performed adequately, but he is primarily a forward rather than a midfielder. For Mount, the opposite holds true.
With both Cunha and fellow summer signing Bryan Mbeumo in the lineup, United possess a more potent attacking threat. Mount, however, demonstrates an understanding of effective pressing, limiting space when out of possession, and providing support to the two deeper midfielders — typically Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro — when United are being overwhelmed. This is a crucial element for a system that frequently encounters a three-man midfield in the Premier League.
“I believe Mason Mount offers us more in the midfield than a winger or a striker,” stated Amorim following the victory over Sunderland. “He is a capable defender. He is intelligent, and he possesses attacking prowess. It is the set of characteristics we consider when evaluating each opponent.”
The specific “characteristics” that Amorim deemed necessary in a demanding situation against Sunderland will also be vital at Anfield this weekend.
“I envision myself as bringing a substantial amount of energy to the team and initiating the press at times, acting as a catalyst moving forward,” stated Mount when questioned about Amorim’s assessment.
“That is consistently a focal point for me, assisting those around me and contributing energy.”
Energy is among the qualities that Amorim has emphasized with his players, especially at the commencement of matches. Throughout his 11-month tenure, Amorim’s team has conceded the opening goal in 22 of his 34 Premier League encounters, frequently placing them in a difficult position before they have fully engaged in the game.
Amorim has previously stated — both privately to his squad and in news conferences — that United struggles to cope with setbacks. This intensifies the importance of taking the initiative from the outset.
Mount will be expected to play a pivotal role in that regard against Liverpool on Sunday, mirroring his contribution against Sunderland, where he capitalized on United’s initial clear opportunity to score after just eight minutes. A strong performance at Anfield would further reinforce the notion to Tuchel that Mount deserves a recall to the England squad in the months leading up to the World Cup.
The two had a lengthy conversation after Mount impressed against Arsenal on the opening weekend of the season, and the possibility of securing a spot on the team traveling to North America next summer remains within reach. Tuchel is well aware of Mount’s capabilities, having made him a central figure in the Chelsea team that clinched the UEFA Champions League title in 2021.
While it may offer little comfort to Ten Hag, who never witnessed Mount at his best, he is finally demonstrating the extent of his potential value for his successor at United.
