Mason Mount could star when he is back from injury
Midfield was Manchester United’s strong suit in the previous campaign. If they don’t make a quick modification, it can turn into a vulnerability.
Due to his special blend of defensive dynamism and creativity, Casemiro was a strong candidate for Player of the Season and was the team’s mainstay a year ago.
He used to be dependable, but in recent weeks, that has changed to being a liability. His lackluster effort against Luton Town is only the most recent example of his dismal individual campaign.
The fact that the 31-year-old was taken off the field before halftime on Sunday afternoon is a fortunate escape from the steady decline that he is experiencing. It was unimaginable to take him off the field in the middle of a game the previous season.
It was also telling that when Kobbie Mainoo took over the deeper midfield position for United in the second half, putting on another strong performance as the team’s leader, United seemed to be in greater control of the game.
Mainoo won five ground duels and completed all five of his attempted dribbles en route to an 88% passing accuracy, 53 touches, and nine ball recoveries. It was a fully realized midfield display.
A rising number of people believe that the 18-year-old should take Casemiro’s place at the base of the midfield—if not permanently, then at least immediately.
In doing so, United would be able to drastically alter their midfield, and Mainoo could play in an axis with Bruno Fernandes instead of Casemiro.
Fernandes was another player whose personal style of play frequently ran counter to Ten Hag’s whole philosophy, and who cut a disgruntled figure at Kenilworth Road with bad decision-making in the closing third.
Since the Dutchman took over the team, the Portuguese playmaker has continued to be among the best, but some of his best efforts have occurred when he has been used in a more conventional center midfield role.
Mason Mount might get the opportunity he needs to kickstart his United career as well. Even before his injury problems, the 25-year-old has been a letdown for Chelsea fans since joining in the summer of last year. They haven’t truly seen what he is capable of.
After experiencing a calf injury in mid-November, the England international is still recuperating from a protracted absence. Now that he is back in the gym in Carrington, there is optimism that he may be included in some next squads.
Despite agreeing to a £60 million deal, United appears to have no real plan on how to get the best out of him, which has once again sparked concerns about the club’s transfer strategy. Since Mount has historically performed best in an offensive midfield role, it seems doubtful that he would start this season ahead of club captain Fernandes.
However, Mount might be able to play in a more advanced role if United were to alter their midfield lineup in games where they are anticipated to control possession.
With the constant difficulties in their midfield that United has encountered this season, they ought to weigh all of their options.
