Erik ten Hag has indicated that Mason Mount could return to the starting XI during Sunday’s Manchester derby between United and City at Old Trafford.
If Manchester United’s last two games have taught us anything – aside from the fact that the Red Devils finally have a goalkeeper capable of pulling off ‘clutch’ penalty saves – it’s that what Scott McTominay brings in terms of goalscoring threat, he takes away in almost every other department.
The Scot, despite his penalty-box presence, lacks the poise in possession or the technical qualities to thrive in Ten Hag’s build-up, and the prospect of McTominay going toe-to-toe with Rodri, Bernardo Silva and co when Manchester City come to town is enough to give even the heaviest sleepers a case of insomnia.
It should come as no real surprise, then, to see Mason Mount make his return to the XI, potentially in McTominay’s place, with the former Chelsea ace chosen specifically by Ten Hag for his qualities on and off the ball when United looked to bring in a new midfielder over the summer.
“I think in every game, our game would benefit from Mason Mount,” Ten Hag tells the Man United website. “I don’t have any concern to (include him in the starting XI). He did come on in a lot of games. He started in a lot of games.
“In the last game (against FC Copenhagen) he didn’t, but definitely he is one we consider for Sunday because, as you say, he has abilities to be very helpful against City.”
Mount has played just two minutes in Man United’s last two games, his removal from the starting XI a little harsh when you consider that – against the likes of Brentford and Crystal Palace – the Red Devils’ new number seven was actually one of the club’s brighter performers.
