Mason Mount could be handed a start when Manchester United face Arsenalplaceholder image
Mason Mount could be handed a start when Manchester United face Arsenal | Manchester United via Getty Images
Man Utd face Arsenal on the opening weekend of the Premier League season and there is a line up dilemma.
Ruben Amorim had an obvious priority in the summer transfer window: improve a Manchester United attack that only managed to score 44 goals in the Premier League last season.
The United head coach requested two attacking midfielders and a new striker to lead the line. He was backed with roughly £200 million to bring Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to the club. There can be no excuses if they fail to improve on last season's measly goal tally this campaign.
When fully fit, Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko will all be expected to start in United's revamped starting line up. It might not be the case this weekend though. Amorim will need to strike a balance with his side if they are to combat the attacking threat of Arsenal while posing their danger, and might opt for a more defensive selection to start.
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Diogo Dalot could be chosen at right wing-back, Luke Shaw could start over Ayden Heaven in the left centre-back role and Casemiro might even be a wildcard selection in central midfield to provide greater defensive cover. Then there is the matter of the two attacking roles.
The hope is for Sesko to lead the attack, though it would also not be a total surprise if he was eased into action with a cameo from the bench. Regardless of whether the new striker signing starts, there is a strong case for Mason Mount to play, either as a false nine or one of the two attacking midfielders.
While there has been plenty of excitement over the first impressions Cunha and Mbeumo have made, neither of them shone quite as brightly as Mount throughout the pre-season schedule. It is well-documented that Amorim 'loves' the 26-year-old, and across the last two friendly matches, it has been obvious to see why.
After a bright US tour, Mount was the standout performer in the final friendly against Fiorentina with a performance that showcased his talent both on and off the ball. He had 37 touches, completed 29 passes and pressed relentlessly in a display that saw him start as a central attacker and then drop deeper into an attacking midfield role.
“Unbelievable,” Amorim said after the match. “The way he works. He knows all of the positions.” That versatility is another string to his bow. Though both Cunha and Mbeumo can indeed play in a couple of different roles, their positions on the pitch are more defined than Mount's.
The former Chelsea player is a brilliant asset to the United squad, even if he is not a regular starter, while his work rate and energy also make him a key part of the game plan in the biggest matches. That could prove to be the case this weekend, with Mount a sensible selection for a match in which the away side could well dominate possession.
United might have spent £200m on revamping their attack but they might have to wait a little longer to unleash it.
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