Mason Mount has been missing in recent games from Erik ten Hag’s plans, however, this game is vital for Manchester United and his qualities could help the red half of Manchester to victory.
Since his summer move from Chelsea, Mason Mount hasn’t exactly lit the league on fire in a Manchester United kit. Early struggles haven’t been helped by injury woes and the rest of the team also struggling, but this game could be perfect for him.
Mount has shown signs over the last month, particularly against Crystal Palace when he was excellent despite defeat.
The acceptance going into such a difficult game – that being the Manchester Derby – is that Manchester City will dominate possession which means United will need to set up accordingly. Mount has ‘great qualities‘ as Bruno Fernandes previously raved to Sky Sports during pre-season, which can help United.
Here are three reasons Mount should be in the starting XI against Man City…
Mount’s work-rate would help
One thing we can be assured of getting when starting Mount is work-rate, this making him a far better option than Christian Eriksen to play in this one. City will dominate the game, that is an accepted fact given they always do.
This means that United should employ players to best deal with the danger City will pose. Mount’s relentless running could be an excellent way of stopping Rodri from dictating play. A similar job to the one which Ander Herrera did on Eden Hazard years ago.
If United stop Rodri, they can stop City.
Technical ability better than McTominay
This is a game which doesn’t fit the purpose of Scott McTominay. His qualities wouldn’t be as effective unless he was employed further forward, with United needing more technical passers in midfield to make sure possession can be kept when regained.
Mount’s progressive dribbling and smooth passing could be key here in bringing the ball out and turning defence into attack, which is the strategy likely to be imposed. Therefore dropping McTominay for Mount would be an excellent swap.
Big game experience
Mount is a player with a massive amount of experience playing in big games, and they don’t get much bigger than the Manchester Derby.
Mount assisted Kai Havertz against City in the Champions League final a few years back, and we could do with a similar contribution in this game.
This could be the game where Mount makes himself a United hero instantly, we wouldn’t put it past him either.
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