Ngl, the fact that this guy was injured for most of last season was kind of a blessing in disguise, with all due respect.
If he was available for more of the 23/24 campaign, I think that would have put us and the manager in quite the spot of bother. It was Erik ten Hag who appeared to desperately want the former Chelsea man which even now, still perplexes me as to why 😕.
So where does the number 7 fit in in the United team?
Or does he?
Positions
Mason Mount is relatively versatile as he is a player who can play in a number of positions particularly in midfield and attack.
He can play in the number 8 and 10 roles and can be used on either flank. Mount had cameo roles in the CDM position at some point in his career but one shouldn't start thinking that he is prime Claude Makelele.
So with the CDM position being ruled out, which is a pity because we could use one of those, that leaves CM and the flanks.
Unless Erik ten Hag is willing to drop Kobbie Mainoo, that starting number 8 spot isn't available. I do believe this is where ten Hag intended to play his £55m man but his injury woes coupled with Mainoo's brilliance meant that Mount had no chance in that position.
Could he be the CAM then?
That area is marshaled by captain and MUFC best player Bruno Fernandes, who is also a pretty popular player among the fans as well. Ain't no way he's gonna be dropped.
Although out wide is another area where Mount can function, it isn't really an area where his best exploits can be utilized. Alejandro Garnacho, much like Kobbie Mainoo, is super popular in the fan base and was our best winger and one of our best players last season so cannot be dropped.
We all know that Marcus Rashford is a favorite of the manager's and with him looking to find some form this season, I doubt that we will see him out of the starting XI either.
There is of course, Amad - another one of the younger, well-liked members of the team - Antony, Erik ten Hag's main man and signing of the previous campaign (with the club dishing out a hefty £85m for the Brazilian), and the readmission of Jadon Sancho back into the squad. So playing down the wings looks highly unlikely for the no 7 as well.
A pity he can't play centre-back. One of those would be welcomed at United.
What does Erik ten Hag do?
Fuck knows 🤷♂️.
I don't see any way for Mount in that starting XI unless he trains unbelievably well and gets a chance which he takes; those that play in his positions play like crap; or, someone gets badly injured and is out for a while, which isn't what we want.
In saying that, with him costing the club £55m, being on a reported £250k per week (Capology) and been given the most iconic shirt of them all, he HAS to start. Being a squad player just won't cut the mustard.
Final Thoughts
After a disastrous first year with United thanks to several different injuries that kept him out for almost the entirety of his debut season, Mason Mount definitely needs to get cracking and show us what he's all about and why Erik ten Hag brought him to the club.
This pre-season is of utmost importance because while it may only be pre-season, it is a chance for him to display all those qualities he had at Chelsea and why he won their player of the year two seasons running.
Most of the first-teamers who play in his positions aren't on tour or training either so he has a bit of an advantage there by being slightly ahead in his training regime under the new coaches.
He is a player I like and can see the quality in him but with multiple players that all play in his preferred positions and players who perform well regularly, I find it hard to see where he slots in in this United XI.
Hopefully Mount can also sort his injury issues out as well and not have the same problems he had last year.
Who knows, perhaps he could be a pivotal player for Erik ten Hag 🤷♂️.
What would you do with Mason Mount?
Background Image: Mason Mount | Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images via United In Focus