With the recent acquisition of midfielder Mason Mount for £60 million, Manchester United fans are particularly interested in how manager Erik ten Hag will arrange the lineup with the addition of this Chelsea newcomer. According to the Manchester Evening News, the following are three of the best solutions:
Currently, Manchester United lacks a player who can compete with or replace midfielder Bruno Fernandes when needed. Although Dutch compatriot Donny van de Beek, who was Ten Hag's favorite at Ajax, has arrived at Manchester United, he is currently injured and unable to meet the technical requirements. This is perhaps one of the reasons why Manchester United is determined to pursue Mount. Playing in the "number 10" position, Mount can provide goals and assists similar to Bruno Fernandes.
Additionally, Mount is particularly intelligent in exploiting spaces in the final third of the opponent's half, not to mention his enthusiasm for contesting and pressuring opponents, making it difficult for them to build attacks.
Replacing Eriksen
Operating in midfield, Mount can sometimes play in a deeper position. His enthusiasm enables him to become a reliable partner for Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in Manchester United's midfield. If Mount takes on the "number 8" position or simply stands right behind Bruno Fernandes, he can be considered a version of Christian Eriksen. However, compared to his Danish counterpart, Mount is more agile. When Manchester United needs to increase the pressure, Mount, rather than Eriksen, is the perfect choice.
If Mount is deployed in his preferred position as a left-sided midfielder, he becomes a very suitable option for Manchester United when facing possession-based opponents who focus more on defense. In such situations, Mount will provide attacking options for the team.
"Drill bit" on the left wing
Under manager Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea, Mount played as a left-sided forward in a 3-4-3 formation. This may not be Mount's favorite position, but he helped the West London club win the Champions League while playing in this role.
If Ten Hag also intends to use Mount in the same way as Tuchel, he will have to reduce the playing time for existing left-wingers at Manchester United such as Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, or Alejandro Garnacho.
