Erik ten Hag has rallied behind Mason Mount to hit the ground running in his sophomore Manchester United campaign following a tumultuous debut season.
It’s now been one year since the midfielder severed his 18-year ties with Chelsea to complete a move to the 20-time English champions, turning plenty of the Stamford Bridge faithful against him in the process.
Yet, it was such audaciousness that, in turn, had him immediately get off on the right foot with United fans. Leaving the club you’d been at since six years old to join a direct Premier League rival was undoubtedly a ballsy move from Mount and one that supporters respected.
However, he was one name amongst the plethora of Reds to fall victim to last season’s unprecedented and debilitating injury crisis. The 25-year-old was sidelined for the best part of his maiden season, being limited to only 20 appearances in all competitions as a result.
Mount was able to end the term on a high, though. He made a brief cameo off the bench in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, with his two appearances in the competition ensuring that he claimed a winners’ medal as he lifted the trophy in front of thousands of travelling Reds at Wembley.
Don’t write Mount off before he’s even begun, says Ten Hag
Now looking to finally justify his £60 million price tag in 2024/2025, Ten Hag has urged fans to be patient with the midfielder and not form an opinion of him based on the last 12 months.
“You can’t judge his season,” Ten Hag said of Mount’s 2023/2024 term. “Because he was injured. Don’t judge him.”
“But when he is fit, he will be a very good player for us, and we can use him. Versatile… he will help us a lot.”
