I was impressed with that guy, Ruben Amorim said in his first days at Man United. That compliment is not for Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho or Antony. It is also not for Andre Onana, Kobbie Mainoo or Rasmus Hojlund.
The person Amorim mentioned was Mason Mount, a player who has been the favorite of many coaches, from Thomas Tuchel, Frank Lampard, Gareth Southgate to Erik ten Hag, who was willing to spend 55 million pounds to bring him to Old Trafford. Amorim has now been conquered by the England midfielder.
Professional star, very exemplary but once considered a symbol of failure
Mason Mount is often considered a "favorite student" thanks to his diligence, discipline and always doing what the coaches want. However, for many fans, Mount is a symbol of transfer mistakes under Ten Hag, when a persistent injury turned a Champions League champion into a financial burden for Man United.
However, there are matches that remind people of Mount's true value. Man United's two best matches this season were the first half against Burnley and Sunderland, both of which were marked by the English star. Although the opponents are only newly promoted teams, Mount still stands out with his ability to connect and move intelligently. The opening goal against Sunderland was his first Premier League goal at Old Trafford in three seasons.
The perfect piece for Amorim's 3-4-3 system
Unlike most of the players in Amorim's squad inherited from Ten Hag, Mount is used to playing in a 3-4-3 formation. He is not a wing-back, nor is he simply a winger. The English star is a left-sided midfielder or a multi-purpose number 10, a position that Amorim is very fond of.
I think Mason Mount has given the team more in midfield than as a striker. He defends well, is smart and is very effective in attacking, Amorim said after the win over Sunderland.
Mount has always been loved by coaches for his connecting and pressing ability. He admitted: I bring energy into the team, activate the pressing style and become a catalyst in attack. That is what I always aim for when helping my teammates and giving them positivity".
However, it was also Mason Mount that exposed Man United to more cracks in their transfer strategy. This is not the first time Man United have fallen into a situation of "collisioning positions" and lacking direction. Ironically, both times were related to Matheus Cunha.
Two years ago, in Mount's debut under Ten Hag, the plan to use him and Bruno Fernandes as two "number 8" attackers collapsed in the first match, when Cunha himself broke through the empty midfield of M.U in the Wolves shirt.
Two years later, Man United spent £62.5 million to buy Cunha another left-sided number 10. Cunha scored 15 goals last season, 15 times more than Mount but lacked defense and pressing ability.
If Mount is a team player, Cunha plays instinctively. Amorim has chosen Cunha as his first signing, hoping to create a three-man attack worth nearly £200 million including Cunha Sesko Mbeumo. However, after 7 matches, Cunha has not had any goals or assists. Injuries and poor form have pushed him up to the bench.
Once again, Man United's procurement policy has been questioned when instead of investing in a classy central midfielder or quality full-backs, they have focused on the attack, which seems to be too crowded before Garnacho or Hojlund leave.
Mount is the player who sets the foundation or the key to the strategy?
Although Amorim tried to rotate and talk about different characteristics for each match, the reality showed that Man United played more coordinatedly and balanced when Mount was on the field.
The English star did not create explosive moments but brought connection. The coordination lines feel smoother, the pressing is more organized and Bruno Fernandes is also more creative when Mount shares the burden in midfield.
Ruben Amorim has never intended to build a team around Mount because he is too susceptible to injury. However, the 26-year-old midfielder himself is becoming a key factor helping M.U play well in the recent rare victories.
Now, amidst a Man United chaos in orientation, it is the unpredictable player like Mason Mount who helps Amorim keep hope for the seat he is sitting in at Old Trafford.
