Having endured a fourth prolonged injury layoff following his move from Premier League rivals Chelsea, Mason Mount made his long-awaited Manchester United return against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
A second successive hamstring issue had curtailed any hope of developing momentum in the North West, leading to widespread frustration and condemnation for the one-time Champions League winner.
However, minutes after entering the field, the 26-year-old came within inches of breaking the deadlock for his side, reminding spectators of the calibre of player they can hope to see for the remainder of the season.
With questions about the suitability of certain individuals for Ruben Amorim’s intricate system, the necessity for two specific number 10s is a fundamental requirement, and many feel that a fit Mount will solidify his spot in an exciting starting XI.
Mason Mount | From Champions League hero to Manchester United concern
Much was made about the Portsmouth-born attacker’s £55 million move from Stamford Bridge, especially when Old Trafford officials constructed the monumental motion of handing him the iconic number 7 shirt.
For some, he didn’t possess the star quality or bravado of the legendary individuals who previously cemented their place in Manchester United folklore.
But, despite uncertainty and some disdain about the refusal to provide Alejandro Garnacho with the honour, the ambitious England international smiled and embraced the spotlight in a manner befitting the expectations.
Inevitably, injury surfaced within a month of his arrival, sealing 38 days of absenteeism, with a calf complaint adding a 21-game spell on the sidelines less than eight weeks after his return.
He would manage 756 minutes across 20 appearances in his debut campaign, following that with a paltry 414 from 13 appearances across all competitions throughout the current season. Talent is one thing, but as we always say, availability is the best attribute for any player, and a lack is rather concerning.
Despite his torment and unavailability, Mount has maintained the trust and support of his managers, with Erik ten Hag and Amorim regularly vocal about his qualities and desire to slot him into their first-team plans.
“I really love Mason Mount,” Amorim told the media before a meeting with Leicester in March. “I see him and know how he suffered. I know how he does everything right – he eats right, his physical aspect is perfect. He’s trying too much. Maybe he is thinking too much about everything.
“He was European champion – he is a talent. When a player does everything like he does, he will always have the support of everybody here at the club. We will try to manage the load.
“You saw players who had a lot of problems in time, but they can then stay fit, and I believe a lot in Mason Mount. We need players like Mason Mount.”
Truthfully, it is difficult to make a case for the positivity of this Manchester move when considering the lack of playing time and the nature of injuries the player has endured.
You can call me a dated football romantic or naive, but I find it even harder to ignore the level of ability and style the two-time Chelsea Player of the Year can and will offer, barring further travesty.
Our Portuguese chief referenced his European exploits with the Blues during the 2020-21 season, where he supplied 18 goal contributions and left then-manager Thomas Tuchel to claim the attacker as “a key player”, inadvertently lauding him as one of the best in European football.
Although Chelsea finished fourth in the Premier League alongside their Champions League victory, Mount’s performances and metrics were amongst the best in world football.
| Mason Mount vs Premier League attacking midfielders 2020-21 | Percentile |
| Shot-creating actions | 99 |
| Touches in the attacking third | 99 |
| Key passes | 99 |
| Expected assists | 98 |
| Progressive carries | 96 |
| Shots Total | 96 |
| Crosses | 95 |
| Carries into the final third | 95 |
| Progressive passes received | 92 |
| Tackles in the attacking third | 91 |
Following conversations with club sources this morning, the Theatre of Red can exclusively confirm confidence from medical officials regarding the nature of rehabilitation from his latest hamstring injury.
There is an agreed focus on a slow integration into regular first-time activity, with specific individual monitoring of muscular progression following advanced physical exertion.
“Mase has been devastated with his Manchester story so far, but he is about as confident and dedicated a lad as you’re likely to meet,” Shaun Connolly was advised.
“Trust me when I say: a fit Mase can propel this team into an entirely different attacking proposition. The belief held between the qualities of Bruno [Fernandes] and Mount is as high as they come.
“Ruben adores him, as we all know from his public comments, but he really admires his mental fortitude and desire to help his teammates. You can not put a price on what he brings to the ground and the dresser – I love him.
“With any luck, he’s over the worst of this, and United supporters can start enjoying what we see every day.”
Ahead of the 196th Manchester Derby on Sunday, there is hope for additional playing time and the confidence to be gained from running out at the Theatre of Dreams.
Say what you will about injuries and the misfortune which followed the player North. But the Stretford End is ready to embrace its new number 7, and Ruben Amorim is banking on the speciality of his medical department.
Everybody at the Theatre of Red wishes Mason the best on his return from injury, and wouldn’t a game-winning moment be a fitting reward for the Old Trafford faithful on Sunday?
How do you feel about Mason Mount, his ability and future at Manchester United? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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