Mason Mount is striving to get his Man United career up and running after several false starts - and Ruben Amorim might hold the key to doing so.
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Ruben Amorim and Roy Keane face each other on Sky Sports after the former's first game in charge of Manchester United at Ipswich Town.
Ruben Amorim (left) has the chance to prove Roy Keane wrong.(Image: Sky Sports.)
Having played just 33 times since arriving at Old Trafford in July 2023, Mason Mount is in a race against time to get his Manchester United career up and running.
His first two seasons at United have been ravaged with injuries, meaning he has failed to get into any sort of rhythm. The 26-year-old, however, was included in the matchday squad against Leicester City on Sunday night for the first time since suffering a leg injury in United's 2-1 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on December 15, being named among the substitutes.
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Despite remaining on the bench at the King Power Stadium, just his presence in the squad was a huge positive. Mount will now be hoping to add to his appearance tally immediately after the international break.
Ahead of the clash with Ruud van Nistelrooy's side, United head coach Ruben Amorim explained just how fond he is of Mount, and not for the first time.
"I really love Mason Mount," Amorim enthused last week. "I see him and know how he suffered. I know how he does everything right - he eats right, his physical aspect is perfect. He's trying too much. Maybe he is thinking too much about everything.
"He was European champion, he is a talent. When a player does everything like he does, he will always have the support of everybody here at the club. We will try to manage the load.
"You saw players who had a lot of problems in time but they can then stay fit and I believe a lot in Mason Mount. We need players like Mason Mount."
United signed Mount almost two years ago to add more energy in midfield and ultimately replace Christian Eriksen. Mount is seven years the Dane's junior and was renowned for his energetic profile.
However, injuries disrupted his chances of laying down a marker last season and it has been a similar story this. But following Amorim's appointment as Erik ten Hag's successor back in November, Mount's United career still has a strong chance of being salvaged.
Mason Mount warms up ahead of Manchester United's victory over Leicester City.
Mason Mount is back in contention.(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
Amorim is a huge fan of the England international and he waxed lyrical about him before even taking charge of United for the very first time.
"Mason Mount… I have to tell you I love that kid," said the United head coach. "You can look in his eyes that he wants this so bad. And this is the most important thing for me.
"I know he was suffering from injuries, he was not on the pitch, but now he's trying to stay fit and we hope he can continue to be fit, to show all the talent that he's shown, for example, in Chelsea.
"He played in this system [before], so it's perfect for him. I have two positions for Mason Mount, so he should be very happy."
Amorim's reference to Mount being "perfect" for a 3-4-2-1 system stems from his experience of playing in a three-at-the-back system under Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea, meaning it suggests he will get the chance to make up for lost time on the other side of this international break.
Amorim has regularly lauded Mount, meaning it will be somewhat surprising if overlooks him after the restart. He played six times under Amorim prior to his recent injury, making three starts, each of which were from the No.10 positions.
Rben Amorim hugs Mason Mount after he is forced off against Manchester City.
Ruben Amorim is a big fan of Mason Mount.(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images.)
With it very much possible that Mount is set to be handed a clean slate, the former Derby County loanee will be itching to grab it and potentially prove Roy Keane wrong after the former United captain questioned the club's pursuit of the midfielder back in May 2023.
"I wouldn't be hanging my hat too much on Mason Mount, in terms of improving United and closing the gap," Keane told Sky Sports. "I think he's a good player but would he improve Manchester United? I'm not so sure."
So far, injuries have prevented Mount from being able to prove Keane wrong. However, Amorim considers Mount as a pet project and he is evidently determined to get the very best out of him.
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