August 18th 2023.
Mason Mount has been brought in by Manchester United and Erik ten Hag is sure that he can adapt to play a deeper role than what he's used to. Mount was included in the starting XI for the Red Devils' Premier League opener against Wolves at Old Trafford and the game ended 1-0 to the home side.
Mount was in a midfield three with Casemiro playing the deepest role and Bruno Fernandes ahead of him. Ten Hag believes it will take time for the 24-year-old to adjust to the new position, but he's confident that Mount will be able to make the transition.
“I think he can [play deeper],” said Ten Hag. “Already, we have seen it in pre-season, but it’s what I’ve said, definitely we have to work on many facets of our game but also that facet about midfield and the co-operation, how we have to set it. I’m sure we will get it [right], but it’s not coming overnight and [if] it was easier then everyone could do it.”
Ten Hag believes that just last season, there was proof that it can be done as Christian Eriksen was signed over the summer and was asked to play a role deeper than what he was used to, behind Fernandes. He has high hopes for Mount at Old Trafford, citing his technical abilities, vision, and mentality as the perfect ingredients to make it work.
“He has the technical abilities, has also good vision on the ball. He knows how to deal with the ball. He has the dynamics, don’t forget that. He has the mentality. So, all the ingredients are there to do it.”
It remains to be seen how well Mount will take to his new role, but with Ten Hag backing him, the possibilities are endless.
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