Erik ten Hag receives major Liverpool boost as Man Utd wildcard offered opportunity

Erik ten Hag has received yet another Manchester United injury boost ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool.

After suggestions that Harry Maguire, Rasmus Højlund, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka would return to the fold, it has since been reported by The Athletic that Mason Mount will also be included in the squad on Sunday.

The former Chelsea midfielder was originally set to return after the international break but is now “looking good” to make his first appearance in a matchday squad since facing Luton Town in early November.

Mount was signed from Chelsea in the summer in a deal worth £60 million but has struggled to make a major impact for United in a season filled with injury issues.

He has made just 12 appearances for the Old Trafford side, and after being gifted the iconic no.7 shirt number at the start of the campaign, there are already question marks over his head.

And whilst he is unlikely to start the game on the weekend, Mount’s inclusion in the squad could offer him the opportunity to remind United supporters why the club wanted him so badly in the first place.

With the club out of the Carabao Cup and Champions League and far away from the top four spots in the Premier League, Ten Hag’s side seems to be banking on a strong finish in the FA Cup this season.

Mix that with a clash against your biggest rivals, who are currently fighting on all fronts under Jurgen Klopp, and an impact from the bench on Sunday could raise Mount’s stocks among United supporters massively.

The midfielder did impress in certain games before his injury troubles earlier this season. He is one of few players at the club who seem to recognise the picture of the pitch before the ball is at his feet.

It is a game that is “do or die”, according to Mount’s teammate Sofyan Amrabat. The English midfielder’s struggles could all be forgotten with an impactful performance.