The Demise of Manchester United’s Star Midfielder — Mason Mount
Introduction
Since his move from Chelsea for £55 million in the summer, Mason Mount has had a difficult season at Manchester United. The 24-year-old midfielder has yet to score for United and has only managed one assist in all competitions. In addition, he has already missed six games due to injuries and is currently dealing with a calf problem that is expected to keep him out for up to a month. Former United star Dimitar Berbatov commented on Mount’s performance, saying, “Let’s talk about Mason Mount. We all know he needs to step up because he hasn’t played well since joining United.” With a hefty price tag and high expectations, Mount needs to prove his worth and produce more on the field.
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Evaluating the Downward Spiral: Causes and Effects
Mason Mount’s arrival at Manchester United was highly anticipated after a disappointing season with Chelsea. The Blues had their worst-ever Premier League campaign, going through three managers, and Mount’s performance suffered as a result. Towards the end of the season, he barely featured for Chelsea, making only three appearances in the final three months.
Despite his declining form, Mount did not sign a new contract with Chelsea. However, this did not seem to affect his price tag, as United paid a hefty £60 million for his services, beating out competition from Liverpool and Arsenal. Just one season before joining United, Mount was considered one of the top players in the Premier League.
Off-field problems were seen as a crucial caveat in Mount’s decline. It was expected that a fresh start with United would help him rediscover his old self, but unfortunately, that has not been the case. The problems began in pre-season, where he failed to make an impact on the tour of the United States. He only managed to impress in the win over Arsenal when playing on the right of the midfield three.
Overall, it is clear that Mount’s decline can be attributed to a combination of factors, including his struggles at Chelsea, the high price tag placed on him, off-field issues, and a lack of impact in pre-season. These causes have had a detrimental effect on his performance at Manchester United and are indicative of the downward spiral he currently finds himself in.
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Too Versatile to provide an impact
Mason Mount’s struggles at Manchester United can be partly attributed to his versatility, or rather, the lack of a clear role in the team. Manager Erik ten Hag has experimented with playing Mount in various positions, including on both wings, as a №10, and even as a deep-lying playmaker alongside Casemiro.
Mount’s versatility has been both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it shows his adaptability and willingness to contribute wherever needed. On the other hand, it has led to him being moved around frequently, making it difficult for him to establish himself and find his rhythm.
Unfortunately, Mount has struggled to thrive in any of the positions he has played, except for a bright 45 minutes against a second-string Crystal Palace side. It seems that he has yet to find his niche in the team, and his performances have suffered as a result.
What is Mount’s best position?
Mount’s best position seems to be in the final third, where he can utilise his vision and passing ability to provide through-balls or finish off moves himself. However, he has been unable to thrive in this role at Manchester United due to the presence of Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes is undoubtedly United’s most influential and reliable attacker, and his presence in the attacking midfield position has limited Mount’s opportunities. This was echoed by former United midfielder Paul Scholes, who commented on the Webby & O’Neill podcast, saying, “I really think the manager wanted to play him with Fernandes, but the two of them playing in the team just doesn’t seem to be working now.”
Playing Mount alongside Fernandes has resulted in the two players getting in each other’s way or leaving the team too open defensively. It upsets the balance of the team and leaves them vulnerable in midfield. To bring Mount into the team, it seems that two holding midfielders are needed to provide the necessary balance.
Mount’s preferred position is where Fernandes plays, but accommodating both players in the same team has proven to be a challenge. The manager may need to re-evaluate the team’s tactics and formations to find a way to effectively utilise Mount’s talents without sacrificing the balance of the team.
Is there hope for a revival in Form?
Is there hope for a revival in form? That is the question on every Manchester United fan’s mind when it comes to Mason Mount. With concerns about how he fits into the system and the high expectations that come with a hefty price tag, there is no doubt that Mount is under pressure to perform and show his quality.
Some pundits believe that Mount is struggling to find his place in the team. Another source was quoted saying, “Because in some of the games, it looks like he doesn’t know how to fit into that system. He looks a bit lost from time to time, but we all know the quality he possesses.”
Manchester United needs Mount to rediscover his old self and start delivering the performances that are expected of him. As an unknown source stated, “United need that quality to help the team.”
While it may seem bleak at the moment, there is always hope for a revival in form. Mount has shown his talent before, and with the right guidance and support, he can find his place in the team and start producing the performances that will silence the doubters. Only time will tell if Mount can turn his season around and prove his worth at Manchester United.
