Manchester United have undone several mistakes of the Erik ten Hag era. But not quite all.
Erik ten Hag demanded total control over transfers at Manchester United. It did not turn out to be a wise move to give it to him.
Ten Hag oversaw more than 20 signings at United, and since he was sacked in 2024, Ineos have been trying to undo some of the damage.
Two players from the 2023 spree have gone already. Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund have both been sent out on loan, ahead of permanent exits.
The third player signed that summer was Mason Mount, who continues to warm the Manchester United bench when he is fit, and not in the treatment room.
Mount was an unused substitute in the defeat to Leeds, which says it all about his current lack of importance to this team.
Manchester United v Leeds United - Premier League
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Mason Mount was signed as a midfielder
Erik ten Hag’s decision to spend £55 million on Mason Mount at the start of the 2023 transfer window was a disastrous move.
It slashed the transfer budget at the time, with a new striker and goalkeeper needed. It was part of the reason United backed off a move for Harry Kane, because he was subsequently unaffordable.
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This could have been tolerable if Mount was a valuable contributor for United, but he has struggled ever since his debut against Wolves.
Erik ten Hag misprofiled Mount and signed him as a replacement for Christian Eriksen in midfield.
“He wants to be multi-functional, he wants to be complete. When you’re playing in midfield, you have to attack, but you also you have to defend,” Ten Hag commented.
Ten Hag wanted Mount to partner Casemiro, a decision that looked disastrous after just one game when United’s midfield was cut to ribbons against Wolves.
Mount’s career since has been defined by a succession of injury issues. This season he has started 10 Premier League games out of 32, which is his highest return in a single campaign for the club.
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Manchester United team huddle at Old Trafford.
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United needed midfielder vs Leeds
Manchester United needed a midfielder against Leeds, with Kobbie Mainoo injured.
Imagine if there was a £55 million midfielder on the bench that actually could have contributed.
Mount was not even under consideration for this role, he is seen as an attacking midfielder, where he is merely a back-up now to Bruno Fernandes.
Erik ten Hag could simply have kept James Garner at the club, instead of buying Mount, who simply does not fit in.
Due to Mount’s injury record and high wages, United have been stuck with him.
It was not possible to sell and replace him last summer, and so United are one central midfielder short.
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Michael Carrick in suit for Manchester United
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Yes, Mount can still contribute
There are six games remaining this season for Mason Mount to try and find a way to contribute to Manchester United’s season.
This weekend, United will face his former club Chelsea, and he would love to be able to make an impact.
Big games against Brentford and Liverpool also await, and Mount can salvage his own season.
But whatever happens, Mount is unlikely to be able to redefine what he means to the club.
Manchester United’s number seven shirt is worthy of more than a mere back-up.
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