Following the eye-watering transfer of Mason Mount to Manchester United from Chelsea for £55 million (€64.2 m), an injury after two weeks of the campaign derailed the hype around the club’s new number 7. With the midfielder contributing only 626 minutes from 12 appearances this season, a disillusioned fanbase continues to debate the reasoning behind his signing and where exactly he fits into Erik ten Hag’s masterplan.
Naturally, considering the global reputation of the 20-time English champions, there was much made about Mount’s arrival at Old Trafford. He is, of course, a player with a renowned engine and a canny ability to aid in beating the opposition keeper. He was joining a group that had struggled to find the net in the previous season, with the league total of 58 goals ranking bottom amongst the top six sides.
Despite early anticipation towards an attack-minded structure, Mount has predominantly featured in cameo appearances from the bench – with a solitary assist against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup his sole contribution to date. But following an unfortunate injury to teammate Christian Eriksen during the side’s final fixture before the international break against Luton Town, an assured 50-minute spell reminded watchers of the quality the multi-million-pound signing brings.
Without forgetting a notable dip in form over the past 12 months, the Portsmouth-born midfielder has consistently ranked amongst the game’s elite when receiving the ball in key areas – sitting in the 98th percentile for progressive passes received throughout this period. The 24-year-old was a reliable option for his teammates against Luton, receiving the ball on 30 occasions and supplying three progressive passes in the second half.
United had to work for their three points against a defensively dogged outfit, contesting with 11 men behind the ball for large portions of the game. Another impressive ability in the player’s arsenal is his knack for contributing towards shot-creating actions. He has been ranked in the 91st percentile over the past twelve months and added three against The Hatters.
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Anyone who has followed his impressive career is aware of his athletic frame, low centre of gravity and notable ability to maintain possession under pressure. His dribbling is an underrated characteristic that Ten Hag is keen to utilise. He completed 14 successful carries against the newly promoted side and achieved one key take-on in the final third.
It is easy for naysayers to point the finger at United’s number 7, and admittedly, he has been unable to attract the desired gaze throughout his early days in Manchester. However, he is an immensely talented young player taking baby steps in acclimatising to life at a European giant. An amalgamation of injury and dressing-room dismay, coupled with an unnerving sense of the unknown regarding the club’s ownership, has made a difficult transition even harder.
As I have previously stated, Mount supplies a youthful option and a skillset resembling that of Bruno Fernandes. He is a confident footballer who prides himself on contributions at either end of the field – he is not shy when putting in a defensive shift. He employs a high press, has an exceptional eye for a pass, and has renowned ability from a dead ball.
At 24, the English international can fulfil multiple midfield roles and supplies an alternative degree of quality to this United squad. It may be simplistic, but there is so much to be taken from Chelsea’s fanbase agonising over his departure. They have witnessed his growth first-hand and cheered him on as he played a pivotal role in their Champions League glory.
I have written about Ten Hag’s desire to perfect his tactical system. While many question the signing of Mount, he and Bruno will eventually act as roaming playmakers. Mount is a strategic solution to the side’s over-reliance on their captain for creativity, and the aforementioned cameo in his previous outing emphasises this.
I have read tweets describing him as a ‘luxury player’, but his ability to occupy the right half-space and supply underlapping runs offers an invaluable link-up passage with the right side of the field – an area sorely lacking this campaign. His impressive movement creates space and confusion for the opposition’s defence, while his flexibility to operate in multiple positions will offer a variety of switches between each wing.
The manager previously described Mount as the perfect midfielder – as did Bayern Munich’s Thomas Tuchel. They do not mean he is extraordinary in every aspect of his play; instead, they acknowledge his versatility when operating under multiple assignments.
As I’ve stated above, his high work rate and machine-like endurance will prove key when the strongest XI is fit and available. In an ever-changing system that will see positions rotating through multiple phases, Mount will supply an engine that can accommodate each and all.
Success is hard-earned at Manchester United, and he has to work for the adoration of the Stretford End. However, while frustration courses throughout the entire fanbase, I would urge one and all to get behind this talented footballer who, at such a young age, can play a crucial role in the progression of this historic football club.
