An in-depth look at Mason Mount's resurgence at Manchester United. Find out why England midfielder Mason Mount has overtaken Matheus Cunha to start the crucial match against Liverpool and how he has earned Amorim's trust.
Analysis
A £60 million-plus signing for Manchester United would normally be guaranteed a place in the starting lineup for the biggest game of the season against Liverpool. However, Matheus Cunha is likely to spend the first half of Sunday's visit to Anfield warming the bench due to the resurgence of another £60 million man, Mason mount .
Cunha was hailed as a transformative player for United in the style of Eric Cantona when he arrived from Wolves for £62,5 million, but the Brazilian has yet to really take off at Old Trafford. He has no goals or assists in seven games, and his most impressive performance was missing a decisive penalty in the Carabao Cup.
The story is very different for Mason mount, whose previous two seasons at the club were plagued by injuries following his expensive move from Chelsea. Cunha's arrival didn't bode well for him, but Mason mount has quietly impressed new manager Ruben Amorim, usurping Cunha in the last game against Sunderland, where he played a starring role in the 2-0 win. This pattern is likely to be repeated on Sunday, especially as Mason mount is well rested, while Cunha has been traveling the world with the Brazilian national team.
No Goals or Assists for Cunha
While Cunha had scored 27 goals and provided 13 assists in the previous two seasons with struggling Wolves, he has failed to really hit his stride at United so far. A muscle injury sustained shortly after his penalty miss against Grimsby hampered his progress. Cunha's record at the club is worrying: as well as failing to contribute to a single goal, United have yet to win a game in which he has played 45 minutes or more.
Mason mount
: Leading by Example
In contrast, although Mason mount has just one more victory under his belt, looks the most attractive option for a United side seeking their first win at Anfield in 10 years. Former United player Phil Jones praised Mason mount, stating: “He leads by example on the pitch. He scores goals, creates chances, assists, but his work ethic, his passion for sprinting 40 yards to pressure the ball [is equally impressive].” Jones added that, despite a difficult first season, he was delighted to see Mason mount playing well again, highlighting his goal against Sunderland.
Coaches' Confidence in
Mason mount
Mason mount He has always been well-liked by his managers, a quality Rio Ferdinand values greatly. “You trust him,” Ferdinand said. “Pressure, energy, work ethic, those are the three basic elements. […] If you’re a manager, you’ll accept it.” From Frank Lampard at Derby and Chelsea, to Thomas Tuchel, with whom he won the Champions League, all have trusted him. Erik ten Hag also urged United to sign him, beating Liverpool to the punch.
The determination of Mason mount He also captivated current coach Ruben Amorim from the start. “You can see in his eyes that he wants it with all his might. And that’s the most important thing for me,” Amorim said. Despite another injury that kept him out for months, Mason mount He regained the manager's trust, scoring two goals in the Europa League semi-final and starting in the final against Tottenham.
Bringing Energy and Experience
Own Mason mount He attributes Amorim’s confidence to his previous experience in a similar formation under Tuchel (3-4-2-1). “Knowing the roles and what he wants from the team resonates with me because I’ve done it before,” he explained. “I see myself bringing a lot of energy to the team and being a catalyst in attack.” His commitment is such that, after the victory against Sunderland, he stated that the team “backs the manager 100%.”
Meanwhile, Cunha is feeling the burden of a lack of goals and confusion about his best position. He was signed for his Premier League scoring record, to be an immediate solution, not a player adapting. The longer he goes without scoring, the heavier the famous United shirt will weigh on his shoulders. Mason mount He knows that weight well, but for now, it suits him better. That's why he's in pole position to start at Anfield.
