Erik ten Hag was the driving force behind Manchester United’s signing of Mason Mount from Chelsea in July 2023. Ten Hag was so certain of Mount’s value to his tactical vision that he believes the midfielder’s absence during their time at Old Trafford contributed to his dismissal.
In his tenure under Ten Hag, Mount managed to start only seven Premier League matches over almost 15 months. Even nearly a year later, Ten Hag still reflects on how different circumstances might have been if Mount had been consistently fit.
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While Mount has returned to the United starting lineup in recent weeks, he still faces injury challenges since Ruben Amorim took over. The new manager is navigating a similar dilemma as Ten Hag: maximizing Mount’s contributions while minimizing the risk of further injuries. After scoring his first goal of the season against Sunderland, Mount was substituted at the 66-minute mark regardless of his solid performance, emphasizing a pre-established limit on his playing time.
“He did really well,” Amorim remarked post-match. “He was given a limited number of minutes because we must manage Mason’s return from injury.”
For Amorim, ensuring Mount played longer wasn’t worth the risk, especially with an upcoming match against Liverpool after the international break. This challenging phase in their schedule includes matches against Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham Hotspur—a sequence that could determine Amorim’s future as manager.
Mount was one of the first players Amorim interacted with upon his arrival at the Carrington training complex. At the time, Mount was in the gym recovering from an injury while most of his teammates were on break or representing their countries. This diligence showcased the mindset that has earned him the coach’s admiration.
The Portuguese manager has aimed to revitalize the squad by removing what he perceives as negative influences, resulting in the exits of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho. In contrast, Mount has been highlighted as a model for the type of mentality Amorim wants within his team. He has shown commitment by attending team meetings during his injury to ensure a smooth return to competitive action.
At 26, Mount often lingers at Carrington long after training ends, utilizing ice baths and saunas to maintain his fitness. Rather than traveling during the international break, he opted to spend quality time with family and enjoy the golf course.
Moreover, Mount has taken the initiative to help his teammates grasp Amorim’s tactical framework, drawing on his experience playing under Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea.
“I think my familiarity with this formation will help him [Amorim],” he said after his goal against Sunderland. “I’ve played it before, so I understand the roles and his expectations, which resonates with me.”
“Initially, I thought it could be something he’d rely on me for, given my knowledge of the positional play.”
Mount’s versatility allows him to provide what Amorim needs to improve the team’s performance. He was selected to start against Sunderland over £62.5 million summer acquisition Matheus Cunha.
The decision wasn’t easy, considering Cunha has played well despite United’s ongoing struggles this season. However, Mount offers essential midfield skills that support both the attack and defensive efforts, which are crucial against teams with a three-man midfield in the Premier League.
“Mason Mount gives us more in midfield than just as a winger or forward,” Amorim stated following the victory against Sunderland. “He excels defensively and is intelligent in attack. These characteristics will influence our approach to each opponent.”
These tactical attributes will be critical as United prepares for the pressure-packed match against Liverpool this Sunday, just as they were against Sunderland, where Mount capitalized on their opening chance to score within the first eight minutes. A standout performance at Anfield could strengthen Mount’s case for a return to the England squad ahead of the World Cup.
After his impressive display against Arsenal in the season opener, Mount had a lengthy discussion with Tuchel about his future. The possibility of representing England in North America next summer remains within reach, as Tuchel appreciates Mount’s significant contributions that helped Chelsea win the UEFA Champions League in 2021.
Though it may be of little consolation to Ten Hag, who didn’t quite see Mount perform at his best, the midfielder is finally showcasing his full potential under his successor.