Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images
Mason Mount has been almost perfect for Michael Carrick during pre-season, but it is actually Erik ten Hag that he has been proving right with his form.
In the biggest test yet this summer, Manchester United strolled to a 2-1 win over Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid side.
Mason Mount was the star of the show, dominating the midfield alongside Andrey Santos with a performance that Luka Modric would have been proud of.
Michael Carrick showed his faith in the midfielder as Mount wore the armband for the last half an hour or so, while he lasted the entire 90, continuing to give supporters hope that this season will be when he finally arrives for United.
In a way, this summer, he has already vindicated Erik ten Hag.
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Manchester United v Atletico de Madrid - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Mason Mount is proving Erik ten Hag was on to something at Manchester United
Mount’s injuries have been incredibly frustrating for United fans as he has never had the chance to really build a career at Old Trafford since Ten Hag signed him for £55m in 2023.
When signed, Ten Hag had a clear plan for Mount to effectively be an upgraded version of Christian Eriksen in midfield to partner Casemiro, attempting to replicate the success of 2022/23 only with more legs and athleticism.
But it was a complete disaster.
In game week one of the Premier League in 2023/24, Mount started next to Casemiro, and Wolves dominated at Old Trafford, running through the midfield with ease, with Matheus Cunha being the most threatening.
The warning signs were there, yet Mount was out injured before Ten Hag really had a chance to get the midfield sorted, abandoning this idea thanks to Kobbie Mainoo by the time Mount was ready to play regularly again.
Since then, United’s midfield has been a problem consistently, with the common denominator being Casemiro, who – for all his qualities – didn’t have the legs to cope anymore.
So, at the back end of last season, next to Kobbie Mainoo, and this summer, Mount has had the chance to prove he is a viable midfield option and excelled.
Next to a proper midfielder in Andrey Santos, Mount has excelled, and the partnership that they have had has been so impressive.
Thus vindicating Ten Hag’s original plan, and if Mount stays fit, he can be a success in this role, finally making himself look like a good signing.
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Mount and Santos will be giving Michael Carrick something to think about in midfield
Carrick suddenly has three more midfield options this summer than he did last campaign; spoiled for choice, he has decisions to make.
Mount and Santos have done everything they possibly could this summer to put themselves in Carrick’s plans for who is in his first-choice, ideal XI.
But Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans will have something to say about this, with another signing in the position expected.
Competition and options are not a bad thing, but Carrick will need to settle on who he sees as his starters. Santos feels undroppable, while Mainoo should probably partner with him. But don’t rule out Mount, as long as he remains fit, there are plenty of games, and they’re all going to be needed.