Mason Mount has played his first game as a Manchester United player and his new manager, Erik ten Hag, has praised his debut.
Mount joined the Red Devils in early July in a move that surprised many but was anticipated by analysts, journalists and reporters who have followed the 24-year-old’s career.
He was handed the club’s famed number 7 shirt that has been worn by legends like George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. As the latest number 7 for the 20-time Premier League winners, he has big shoes to fill.
His first outing – a pre-season friendly against recently relegated Leeds United – showed promise and ten Hag has taken to the media to defend his latest acquisition. Before the game, ten Hag expressed confidence that Mount will contribute to the success of the club and that he is keen to participate in attack as a United player.
“I’m sure he will contribute to the success of United because he is a quality player,” the Dutchman began. “His vision is to play the offensive [role]. But also he wants to be multi-functional, he wants to be complete.
“When you’re playing in midfield, you have to attack, but you also you have to defend. I’m sure he will bring dynamism into our game and that was one of our analysis conclusions we made after last season. We need [to be] more dynamic in the midfield department.
“You always hope, as a manager, that you have the players in the first moment because then, across the pre-season, you can work on the routines and our way of play.”
He then thanked all those involved in making the £60 million deal for Mount happen. “We worked so hard to get this done,” he said. “I think so many clubs were looking out for Mason, to sign him, and we succeeded. We are happy with that, he brings something in the midfield department.
“He’s a great team player as well and he knows how to win.”
Mount played 45 minutes against Leeds as United ran out 2 – 0 winners in their pre-season game which was played in Norway. After the game, ten Hag doubled down on his initial comments about Mount, who will hope that he has done enough to convince the skeptical fans to give him a chance.
Manchester United will be in action next against French Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais at the Murray field Stadium in Scotland. The match will happen on 19 July. After that, they will tackle Arsenal on 22 July at the MetLife Stadium in the United States of America.
