{"id":1361307,"date":"2024-08-20T17:45:19","date_gmt":"2024-08-20T16:45:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?p=1361307"},"modified":"2024-08-21T15:19:06","modified_gmt":"2024-08-21T14:19:06","slug":"mason-mount-manchester-united-analysis-pressing","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/mason-mount-manchester-united-analysis-pressing\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Mason Mount set to become a Manchester United fan favourite?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2024\/25 season is going to be a critical one for Mason Mount’s Manchester United<\/a> career.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mount joined the Red Devils from Chelsea<\/a> in a deal worth up to \u00a360m last summer and it was hoped he would be able to ease the creative burden placed upon Bruno Fernandes. However, it never quite got going in his debut year at Old Trafford, with injury and a loss of form restricting him to just 20 appearances across all competitions, notching one goal and one assist. As a result, Mount lost his place in the England team, missing out on their run to the Euro 2024 final this summer.<\/p>\n

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That said, if the early signs from this season are anything to go by, Mount is still seen very much as an important part of Erik ten Hag’s plans.<\/p>\n

Mount has started both of Man Utd’s games so far, playing 58 minutes in the Community Shield against Manchester City<\/a> before logging just over an hour in the Red Devils’ Premier League<\/a> opener against Fulham.<\/p>\n

Against City, Mount looked a little rusty and off the pace, completing just nine passes and failing to attempt a shot or create a chance. But against Fulham<\/a>, there was a big improvement.<\/p>\n

Mount left the field against the Cottagers with two chances created and one shot on target and arguably should have found the net with his 53rd-minute effort from close range. However, it was a sure sign of a much more lively looking midfielder.<\/p>\n

But it was Mount’s work without the ball that really caught the eye. The 25-year-old has always been best known for his pressing ability and this was on full display against Fulham, with Mount making 23 counter-pressures — more than any other player across the entire Premier League on the opening weekend, despite spending just 61 minutes on the pitch.<\/p>\n

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Mason Mount made 23 counter-pressures against Fulham, more than any player managed in the Premier League in the opening weekend of the season.<\/p>\n

Pressing monster. ??? pic.twitter.com\/E5QdaSyOLQ<\/a><\/p>\n

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 19, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n