Mason Mount has revealed his most natural position, but it appears Rúben Amorim disagrees with the England international.
Mason Mount joined Manchester United in 2023 for a hefty fee from Chelsea, looking to play a key role in Erik ten Hag’s midfield. However, the No.7 only managed 20 appearances in his first United campaign due to injury trouble.
Ten Hag saw Mount as his Christian Eriksen replacement. Mount often lined up alongside Casemiro in the double pivot behind Bruno Fernandes, but this seemed to create more problems than it solved when Mount was fit to start.
When Rúben Amorim replaced Ten Hag in November 2024, Mount was given a new lease of life as the former Sporting CP boss famously said: “I love that kid,” when referring to the England international.
Since Amorim’s arrival, Mount has largely played as the left-sided No.10, alongside Fernandes or another attacking midfielder. But Matheus Cunha now occupies that position, leaving Mount back on the bench.
Mount reveals his favoured position
During the African Cup of Nations, Mount is likely to become a regular starter once again, but where will he play? Many would assume as an attacking midfielder, but his most recent interview with United’s media team could suggest he may play elsewhere.
“Yeah, I think, for me, I’ve always looked at myself as a midfielder, ever since I was young,” said Mount. “So I always kind of have that midfielder mindset and that outlook on the game.
“So, if I am playing higher up on the pitch and in a No.10 role, I will always have the midfielder mindset, even though I may go a little bit higher up on the pitch.
“So, yeah, for me, I always love getting forward into the box and trying to get on the end of crosses or create any opportunities but, whenever we do lose the ball, and there is a counter-attack for the opposition team, I’m trying to get back in and help the midfield. And be that kind and of third midfielder, to help the lads.”
Mount went on to say: “I always grew up playing in like a No.8 role. I’ve had obviously experience in playing in the no.10 in a similar formation to that we’re playing now.
“So any time, I’ve played in many positions in my career, and you always kind of take that experience moving forward and implement the little things into your game.”
Despite Mount seeming to favour a No.8 role – closer to Fernandes’ position in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation – the United manager seems to disagree, as he continues to use him as an attacking midfielder.
United need Mount’s attitude
United have struggled to deal with quick counter-attacks for several years now, but Mount’s mentality could help them turn it around soon.
In the same interview, he continued to say: ” always look at the other side of the game as well. And, if that’s second balls, from like a long goal-kick, I would always try to be getting the second ball and win that battle against my man.
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“Yes, that’s always how I look at the game but, if I’m in that No.10 position, my responsibility really is also getting into the box, creating and trying to score goals. And linking up with the other two up front so, yeah, I enjoy it.”
Perhaps, while United are still struggling with their midfield balance, Mount could be trialled in a deeper role. He could partner Kobbie Mainoo and form an old-fashioned setup where one joins the attack, and one sits deeper, with the ability to switch depending on the occasion.
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