Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham and Mason Mount was singled out for criticism by Roy Keane, but Ruben Amorim has previously been full of praise for the midfielder.
Mason Mount in action for Man Utd.
Mason Mount was criticised by Roy Keane after the draw with West Ham. (Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has already expressed his views on Mason Mount despite Roy Keane's recent critique of the midfielder, in which he labelled him a 'schoolboy'. The Reds have seen a slight improvement in their performance this season after a disappointing 2024/2025 campaign.
However, recent results have been inconsistent - a defeat to Everton last week, followed by a victory over Crystal Palace last weekend, then a 1-1 draw at home to West Ham midweek.
Amorim's team initially took the lead in the first half with a goal from Diogo Dalot. However, United were unable to secure the win and claim all three points as Soungoutou Magassa scored for the visitors late on.
Mount began the match on the bench, but he was brought on to replace Joshua Zirkzee with just over 10 minutes remaining. Shortly afterwards, the Hammers found their equaliser and United were unable to regain the lead in the final moments.
Keane, who made just under 500 appearances for United during his career, delivered a harsh critique of United's performance post-match, in which he also singled out Mount. Despite scoring the decisive goal against Palace at the weekend, the 26-year-old was dubbed a "schoolboy" by Keane on this occasion.
"When you look at the squad, considering the money that has been spent, they lack strength in depth. Particularly in the attacking areas," Keane told Sky Sports.
"When you are trying to see a game off, I look at Mason Mount when he came on, some players take longer to get up to speed but he was like a schoolboy out there. You're looking for players to come on with presence. If anything they brought the levels down at United. That seemed to be the case tonight."
This is most likely an opinion that Amorim would reject, though, considering he has consistently been swift to commend Mount - dating back to when he was named United boss in November last year. From the very beginning, during his opening two weeks in charge, Mount's approach and resolve made an impression on Amorim.
"Mason Mount... I have to tell you, I love that kid," Amorim told United's club media just over 12 months ago. "You can look in his eyes that he wants this so bad. And this is the most important thing for me."
Despite injuries hampering Mount's season, during which he was side-lined for more than 20 matches with a hamstring injury, Amorim was eager to welcome the midfielder back into his squad. "I really love Mason Mount," Amorim informed the press ahead of the midfielder's comeback in March.
"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."
The accolades didn't end there. Even as recently as last weekend, following United's victory over Palace, Mount revealed his true character as he comforted young defender Leny Yoro after a challenging match.
The midfielder may have been the match-winner on that occasion, but his leadership qualities were evident at the final whistle, something that didn't escape Amorim's attention.
"For me, as a manager, it's really important," Amorim said earlier this week. "But I take it as normal. If you spend so many hours with one guy, if you have a common goal, if you suffer all together.
"I think we should support each other because, in the end, we have our friends, we have our club but, in the end, we are the guys who can change everything."
United return to action this weekend and will attempt to get back to winning ways when they take on Wolves at Molineux. Then, the run-up to Christmas will be in full swing with tricky tests against Bournemouth and Aston Villa.