Manager backs Mason Mount for new deep role at Manchester United

Manchester United’s recent recruit, Mason Mount, is embracing a deeper playing position than he’s accustomed to under Erik ten Hag. Still, the Dutch manager is fully behind his potential in this new role.

Mount was immediately named in the starting line-up for the Red Devils’ Premier League curtain-raiser against Wolves this Monday. Although the match ended 1-0 in favour of the hosts at Old Trafford, the side appeared somewhat off their stride.

Positioned in a midfield trio, Mount was sandwiched between the deep-lying Casemiro and the more advanced Bruno Fernandes. This central role is a departure from the positions Mount regularly occupied during his spells at Chelsea and for the England team.

Ten Hag acknowledges there might be a period of adjustment as Mount gets to grips with the nuances of this deeper role. However, he’s confident that the 24-year-old can make it work.

‘I think he can [play deeper],’ said Ten Hag. ‘Already, we have seen it in pre-season, but it’s what I’ve said, definitely we have to work on many facets of our game but also that facet about midfield and the co-operation, how we have to set it.

‘I’m sure we will get it [right], but it’s not coming overnight and [if] it was easier then everyone could do it.’

Ten Hag highlighted a similar scenario from the previous season, where Christian Eriksen, a summer signing, was also tasked with a deeper midfield role, operating behind Fernandes.

‘Christian Eriksen, last season, came in and had the same,’ said Ten Hag. ‘First time in his life he played in a deeper role and that was the ambition from Christian and then also the ambition from Mason. ‘And so he wants to be more multifunctional.

That’s the way I see football, but as I say, it will not come overnight. There’s a process we have to go through, but he’s very game-intelligent.

‘He has the technical abilities, has also good vision on the ball. He knows how to deal with the ball. He has the dynamics, don’t forget that. He has the mentality. So, all the ingredients are there to do it.’

Manchester United are set to clash with Tottenham Hotspur this evening, with proceedings commencing at 5.30pm at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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