Erik ten Hag has warned that Mason Mount may take time to adapt to his new role in Manchester United’s midfield.
Mount ended a long association with Chelsea to join United, but he is now being asked to play in a deeper role than he was used to at Stamford Bridge.
Ten Hag is convinced Mount has the qualities to thrive in his preferred system, but struggles on Monday night were not helped by Casemiro or Bruno Fernandes. The Brazilian was left isolated sitting in front of the defence while Mount and Fernandes pushed further forward.
It will be interesting to see if United play with the same shape against Tottenham, who look like a side that will leak goals this season.
“I think he can [play deeper],” Ten Hag told ManUtd.com.
“Already, we have seen it in pre-season, but it’s what I’ve said, definitely we have to work on many facets of our game but also that facet about midfield and the co-operation, how we have to set it.
“I’m sure we will get it [right], but it’s not coming overnight and [if] it was easier then everyone could do it.”
Furthermore, the manager compared Mount’s situation to Christian Eriksen’s arrival last summer.
“Christian Eriksen, last season, came in and had the same,” the manager added. “First time in his life he played in a deeper role and that was the ambition from Christian and then also the ambition from Mason.
“And so he wants to be more multifunctional. That’s the way I see football, but as I say, it will not come overnight. There’s a process we have to go through, but he’s very game-intelligent.
“He has the technical abilities, has also good vision on the ball. He knows how to deal with the ball. He has the dynamics, don’t forget that. He has the mentality. So, all the ingredients are there to do it.”
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