Manchester United moved one step closer to securing Champions League football next season but their biggest gain could have come from the performance of Mason Mount, who may finally be proving his midfield credentials to Ruben Amorim.
Despite a 3-0 lead from their first leg against Athletic Club in the Europa League semi-final, United initially encountered frustration in their return fixture at Old Trafford and found themselves a goal down when Mount came off the bench in the 62nd minute.
And within ten minutes of his introduction, Mount put United on level terms with a smart turn and finish after a mazy run from defence by the impressive Leny Yoro – a moment that United never looked back from.
In truth, Mount has not had many other memorable displays to compare to since his €64 million transfer in 2023, having made just 42 appearances in all competitions due to injury.
But, having also netted in United’s loss to Brentford last weekend, Mount’s encouraging comeback could be the catalyst to reigniting his career and relieving Amorim of some major squad building problems this summer.
Mount ready to save Man Utd’s midfield and Amorim’s summer
Virtually every player is said to be available for transfer for United this summer, such is the scale of the rebuilding job Amorim has been tasked with after years of wasteful recruitment by the club.
Although United’s top priority is expected to be a striker this summer, Amorim is keen to add some technical ability and energy to his midfield, yet the need for a large number of signings could see the club run out of funds to address all the problem areas in the squad.
With Mount’s value having plummeted after two seasons of recurring injuries, the 26-year-old had essentially been written off as another failed transfer who would never live up to his extortionate price tag and could only be sold at a substantial loss to raise funds.
But, while it is certainly a small sample size, Mount’s displays in the last two matches have finally shown glimpses of just why United were so keen to sign him and the former England star has been slowly building up his match fitness over the past six weeks since his return from injury.
Continuing his strong end to the season could convince Amorim that he does not need to splash out on another midfielder, such as the €50m-rated Ederson from Atalanta, and can instead focus his limited resources elsewhere.
It may have taken nearly two years but Mason Mount has finally arrived at Old Trafford and United may finally have the last laugh if the midfielder can stay fit and lead Amorim’s side to the promised land, with just 90 minutes standing in the way of the most unlikely of fairytale turnarounds for both the player and the club.
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