Erik ten Hag has hinted at a potential change to his starting line-up as he prepares his side for this afternoon’s Manchester derby.
Despite Manchester United’s injury-stricken defensive unit this season, one position that does cause Ten Hag a headache selection-wise is the midfield; numerous high-quality Reds are awaiting their chance to showcase their abilities each week.
In recent games, the manager has favoured Scott McTominay over the likes of Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen or Hannibal Mejbri, but the 26-year-old has now given away two penalties in two consecutive games, which may well have blown his chances for a start against Man City.
Meanwhile, Mount has been used sparingly since he returned from injury – he spent the whole of the midweek European clash versus Copenhagen on the bench and against Sheffield United last Saturday, he made a two-minute cameo. Considering the club parted with £55 million to acquire his services in the summer, it seems bizarre that he’s not being given a starting role.
That could change today though, as Ten Hag is confident that the England international could prove to be a difference-maker against the Blues. Back in 2021, Mount assisted the winning goal for Chelsea in the Champions League final against City and would be keen to create another crucial goal this time around as a Red.
Ten Hag on Mount’s role against City
In Ten Hag’s pre-match press conference, he said (via ManUtd.com): “I think in every game, our game would benefit from Mason Mount. I don’t have any concern to line him up. He did come on in a lot of games, he started in a lot of games.
“In the last game [Copenhagen] he didn’t [play], but definitely he is one we consider for Sunday because as you say, he has abilities to be very helpful against City.”
Very good of him