Mount can save MU's season

Mason Mount has just returned to MU.

In a season where Manchester United have lost almost all of their traditional identity and strength, amid tactical errors and chaos in the use of players, there is still a glimmer of hope from a name that seemed to have sunk into oblivion: Mason Mount. The return of the English midfielder in the final stages of the season will not only bring more options to the midfield but can also become a rare positive highlight in the "Red Devils" gloomy season.

Amorim and the Miscalculations

After a humiliating 0-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the 30th round of the Premier League, serious questions continued to be raised about Amorim. The Portuguese coach made confusing decisions, especially in attack - where Manchester United failed to score in 11 of 47 matches this season. Ironically, the most dangerous striker on the pitch that day was center-back Harry Maguire.

Joshua Zirkzee – who Amorim himself once declared “not a number nine” – was surprisingly given a starting spot just 16 days after Rasmus Højlund ended a 22-game goal drought. Both Zirkzee and Højlund – two signings worth a combined £108m – were questioned over their ability to play as true centre-forwards, and Højlund’s efforts when he came on at the start of the second half were not enough to make a difference.

It is even more puzzling that the Man United hierarchy spent £30 million on a winger and left-back in the winter transfer window, instead of adding personnel to the seriously lacking attack. Since mid-December until now, MU has been in a negative goal difference - something that has not been seen in many years at Old Trafford.

The defeat to Forest was also the 23rd time this season that United have let their opponents score first - a figure that puts them second only to Leicester City in terms of frequency of conceding first. That shows a lack of consistency in both attack and defence.

Even with a strong squad, Amorim surprised everyone by leaving Maguire on the bench and using Noussair Mazraoui in an vulnerable position. As a result, the Moroccan player was constantly exploited by Elanga and Gibbs-White, leading to the only goal of the match.

Mount could be the card to save the season for MU.

With Manchester City waiting ahead - whether Erling Haaland plays or not - United need experienced, competent centre-backs. Leny Yoro was a rare bright spot in the defeat to Forest, but his impressive performance was overshadowed by a 13th Premier League defeat in eight months.

In midfield, the inclusion of Manuel Ugarte - who had just returned from a long flight from Bolivia - was a puzzling decision for many. And above all, the decision to move Bruno Fernandes further up the pitch - away from the position where he has been playing so well in recent times - was a decision that went against the form and inspiration of this player.

Mount returns - right man, right time?

In a team in crisis, Mason Mount’s return after more than three months out has brought new confidence. The former Chelsea star attended training three weeks ago and was put on the field against Forest – his first match since December 15, and his last start for the club, coincidentally also against Man City.

Although Mount was signed as a midfielder in Erik ten Hag’s 4-2-3-1, the reality is that he is better suited to the No. 10 or wide midfielder role in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1. Ten Hag himself realised his mistake and played Mount as an attacking midfielder against Brighton in August, but injury has put that plan on hold.

Amorim understands that. After the match, he frankly commented: “If you look at Mount’s career, he has played in this system a lot, especially at Chelsea - left, right. This is a position that is very suitable for him.”

Mount is familiar with the formation Amorim uses.

Mount won the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2021 in a similar formation at Chelsea. He is not a typical defensive midfielder, nor is he a classic “number 10”, but he is extremely mobile, able to move wide, create pressure and link up play. With this skill, Mount can absolutely become an important link behind the striker, while United's attack is still struggling to find the optimal solution.

With Christian Eriksen almost certain to leave the club in the summer, Mount has the opportunity to assert himself. Amorim will have the likes of Fernandes, Garnacho, Amad, Mainoo and Zirkzee - but Mount is the name who can make the difference by fitting into the system the Portuguese coach is pursuing.

Amid a dismal season, United have yet to lose to City in 90 minutes in their last two meetings - and have scored in both games. The upcoming derby at Old Trafford is the perfect opportunity for Mount to make a dramatic return, not only because of his great rival, but also because the Red Devils are in dire need of an unexpected hero to save the season.

If Mount takes advantage of the opportunity, he could become an “unexpected success” - an unexpected but extremely important piece in Manchester United's rebuilding journey.

Source: https://znews.vn/mount-co-the-cuu-van-mua-giai-cua-mu-post1543058.html