Erik ten Hag is ‘convinced’ Mason Mount will become a key player for Manchester United as he prepares to return from a lengthy injury lay-off.
Spells out injured are never easy to take, especially when you are a new player at a club and they’ve spent a small fortune to bring you there. That – as well as the pressures that come with playing for United – have all come at once for Mount.
Like any player we sign, I believe Mount needs time on the pitch to familiarise himself with his team-mates and their strongest strengths. That is the best way to build team chemistry.
Mount joined United from Chelsea in the summer and has been out for the past four months with a groin injury. His last appearance for the Reds came in a 1-0 win over Luton Town at Old Trafford on November 11.
As a result, Mount has made just 12 appearances for United so far in his first season.
Mount returned to training at Carrington almost a week ago, though there has been strong suggestions that he could feature in Ten Hag’s matchday squad versus Liverpool.
Ten Hag is confident that Mount can become a key player for United. He said (via Manchester Evening News): “I am convinced he will be [a key player]. He didn’t have the chance to prove this point, but he will be a very good player for Manchester United.
“It is really unfortunate, really disappointing for him, but also for us when you have such a class player in your middle and you cannot play him. He has had three injuries, as we all know, so he didn’t, at any time, get into a rhythm. But I am sure when he is fit, he will play, he will get into that rhythm and he will contribute to a successful Manchester United.”
I still have high hopes for Mount, who was brought to play in a particular system under Ten Hag, but the team still requires more building with stronger foundations.
Only time will tell if Mount will mark his return against Liverpool.
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