Mason Mount is on the verge of making a comeback from injury for Manchester United, but his impending availability presents Erik ten Hag with a midfield selection dilemma.
The United midfielder, signed from Chelsea during the summer transfer window, has been sidelined for most of the season due to injury. In his absence, Kobbie Mainoo has emerged as Ten Hag’s primary choice in the no.8 role at Old Trafford, initially featuring as the deepest midfielder in his early appearances.
However, with Mount poised to make his return soon, Ten Hag faces a quandary as the England international has outlined his preferred role in midfield. “I’ve always seen myself as a midfielder, a no.8 who can get forward, attack, try and score goals, create goals,” Mount explained after joining United. “But also be able to do the defensive work and help the team when we’re under pressure.”
While Casemiro’s form has been inconsistent this season, Ten Hag must also consider the defensive challenges of fielding a midfield pairing of Mount and Mainoo. Additionally, there’s the issue of overplaying Bruno Fernandes, where Mount could potentially offer a solution.
Finding a suitable role for Mount upon his return is imperative for Ten Hag. The midfielder demonstrated his value to the team during his brief spell of fitness earlier in the season. However, with Mainoo’s emergence, there’s a dilemma as their preferred positions seem to overlap.
Mount’s versatility, having previously operated on the wings at Chelsea, could provide an alternative solution. Yet, United has yet to utilize him in that capacity.
Ultimately, both Mount and Mainoo excel in similar positions, and Ten Hag must navigate how to accommodate both players in the same team. Failure to do so could raise further questions about the entire transfer decision.qq
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