Drawing positives from a defeat is always an odd experience, but there were undoubtedly many on Sunday and Mason Mount’s energetic performance was one of them.
The 26-year-old started the Premier League blockbuster against Arsenal as part of a fluid front three alongside summer signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Mount’s work ethic and tactical versatility were on show as he switched positions at Old Trafford, operating as the left-sided number 10 and, at times, a false nine.
Particularly in the first half, Mason showed his quality with several long passes that switched the play from left to right, helping us to attack Arsenal at pace.
Fans also enjoyed the defensive side to Mount’s game and an early tackle on Bukayo Saka prompted loud cheers of appreciation from the Old Trafford faithful.
Mount was substituted after 65 minutes to make way for Benjamin Sesko on his debut, but his contribution to an encouraging performance has not gone unnoticed.
As Mason explains in a big interview for Inside United magazine, his run of 14 appearances at the end of last season left him in a good place.
“It gave me so much confidence,” says Mount.
“It was so important for me to really have that run of games to finish that season because I hadn't had that before. It was so important to know that I can do that and, really, that my body feels in such a good place to be able to do that.
“Now, I feel even better going into this season. I really looked at little things here and there that helped me last season and now I keep doing those things this season, and add even more to get to another level.
“I am really feeling good, I am in a good place.”
Mount also believes he is benefitting from the experiences of playing for both Chelsea and England in similar systems to Ruben Amorim’s at United.
“I obviously have the experience of playing in his formation and this type of football before, so bringing my knowledge and experience into the team, especially when he came in, was very helpful. A lot of the patterns and a lot the movements, it's something that I am very used to.
“I very quickly knew exactly what he wanted and in games I am just trying to do that as much as I can and obviously help the lads around me. If it's younger lads coming into training and maybe they don't understand little details here and there, with my experience I can help them with that.
“We're all helping each other and every day that goes by we are understanding more and more what the manager wants, and what we can do as a team to improve, so we are getting there.”
Order your copy of Inside United magazine to read the full interview with Mount.
PRAISE FOR MASON’S PERFORMANCE
Wayne Rooney, speaking to BBC Sport: “Yeah, I think he’s got energy, hasn’t he? And he hasn’t been fit since he arrived at Manchester United, really, for a period of time and he’s… I don’t think he’s missed a day’s training in pre-season. So, I think he could be a huge player for Man United this season if he can stay fit.”
As Mason explains in a big interview for Inside United magazine, his run of 14 appearances at the end of last season left him in a good place.
“It gave me so much confidence,” says Mount.
“It was so important for me to really have that run of games to finish that season because I hadn't had that before. It was so important to know that I can do that and, really, that my body feels in such a good place to be able to do that.
“Now, I feel even better going into this season. I really looked at little things here and there that helped me last season and now I keep doing those things this season, and add even more to get to another level.
“I am really feeling good, I am in a good place.”
Mount also believes he is benefitting from the experiences of playing for both Chelsea and England in similar systems to Ruben Amorim’s at United.
“I obviously have the experience of playing in his formation and this type of football before, so bringing my knowledge and experience into the team, especially when he came in, was very helpful. A lot of the patterns and a lot the movements, it's something that I am very used to.
“I very quickly knew exactly what he wanted and in games I am just trying to do that as much as I can and obviously help the lads around me. If it's younger lads coming into training and maybe they don't understand little details here and there, with my experience I can help them with that.
“We're all helping each other and every day that goes by we are understanding more and more what the manager wants, and what we can do as a team to improve, so we are getting there.”
Order your copy of Inside United magazine to read the full interview with Mount.
PRAISE FOR MASON’S PERFORMANCES
Wayne Rooney, speaking to BBC Sport: “Yeah, I think he’s got energy, hasn’t he? And he hasn’t been fit since he arrived at Manchester United, really, for a period of time and he’s… I don’t think he’s missed a day’s training in pre-season. So, I think he could be a huge player for Man United this season if he can stay fit.”
Rio Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube channel: “I really like what I saw from Mason Mount today. Again, in and out of possession. We all know what he can do in and around the box. He can score goals, he can create as well, but he’s out of possession. His ability and his intelligence to move and to run when we have the ball, when we don’t have the ball, I think is something that’s different to everything else we’ve got. That’s why you’re going to see him play games, because he does bring something different.”
Gary Lineker, speaking on The Rest is Football: “He's had a tough old time, obviously, with injuries and fitness, and he’s not been at it since he went to Manchester United, and even before that, he's been struggling. And you just remind yourself of the talent that he has and how an exciting player he was when he was young at Chelsea, and he was really impressive. And I just thought to myself today, it looked like that energy was back. Let's hope he can stay fit, because there is a footballer in there, there definitely is.”
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