Mount can save MU's season

Although Manchester United are in crisis, the return of Mason Mount could be the biggest hope. He could become an important piece to help the "Red Devils" find their way back and save their honor this season.

Mason Mount has just returned to MU.

In a season where Manchester United have lost almost all of their traditional identity and strength, amidst 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 round 30 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 field that day was center-back Harry Maguire.

Joshua Zirkzee – who Amorim himself once declared “not a number 9” – 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 about their ability to play as true strikers, 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 confusing that the Man United board spent 30 million pounds 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 state of 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 defense.

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's return - right man, right time?

In the context of the team in crisis, the return of Mason Mount after more than three months of injury brings new confidence. The former Chelsea star attended training sessions three weeks ago and was put on the field against Forest - his first match since December 15, also the last time he started 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 left-sided role in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1. Ten Hag himself recognised the error and played Mount as an attacking midfielder against Brighton in August, but injury has put a stop to that.

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 an extremely mobile player who can 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 names like Fernandes, Garnacho, Amad, Mainoo and Zirkzee - but Mount is the name who can make the difference thanks to his compatibility with the system the Portuguese coach is pursuing.

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

If Mount can take 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