Mason Mount grinned on the Old Trafford field following his leading performance in the most recent unforgettable European evening at the renowned stadium. “I knew something good was going to come,” he said.
This was the biggest game in Mount’s Manchester United career, even though it was in the Europa League rather than the Champions League.
Mount had only scored one goal in United colors before this week, but his double off the bench against Athletic Bilbao guaranteed a berth in the final and made it three goals in two games.
He has had terrible injury luck since joining the Reds in 2023 for £55 million from Chelsea, as evidenced by his meager 10 league starts.
However, Thursday night demonstrated the full potential of the England international. He has the support of his management and is ideally suited for one of the two number 10 positions in this United team.
Earlier this term, Ruben Amorim expressed his love for Mount, and his genuine joy for the 26-year-old in midweek was evident.
“Not just me, if you look at the bench, that is the best feeling as a coach,’ Amorim said of the joy at seeing the midfielder find the net. “When you look at the other guys on the bench, they are so happy for Mason Mount because everybody in that dressing room sees Mason doing everything he can to be available.”
Despite his fitness issues, Mount has maintained his positive attitude and is well-liked in the locker room. Last summer, he traveled to Portugal on his own dime to improve his fitness and make sure he was prepared for the upcoming campaign.
Although he has only started once, he has contributed to each of United’s previous ten games, and he hasn’t played 90 minutes since November 2023.
However, he might be the ideal addition to United’s lineup for the final matchup with Tottenham. His experience playing for Chelsea in that position helps him understand Amorim’s style, and he has more big game experience than most.
This player has participated in five domestic finals, won the Champions League in 2021, and represented England in the European Championships final that same year.
He has 36 caps for his nation and scored against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Although he showed off his bench skills on Thursday night, he might be more appropriate for a starting position than an impact substitute.
He might be able to get into the side at Alejandro Garnacho’s expense. Even though it would lessen United’s directness, it would give them some control over a Spurs team that will play freely.
Amorim has frequently sought stability in Europe, and Mount offers some defensive savvy, a creative flare, and, most recently, a brilliant goal-scoring touch.
Whether United is chasing the game or defending a lead and taking advantage of a Spurs high line, Garnacho’s speed and eagerness to run at defenders could prove to be a useful asset later in a match. He would feel unfairly left out of the starting lineup.
Mount has the opportunity to solidify his status as a United player in the final. He might be destined for a leading position in Bilbao, but so yet, he hasn’t been able to play the part he wants.
Leave a Reply