admin Mason Mount wasn’t at his best when Man United beat Wolves but he certainly wasn’t the only culprit. Mason Mount made his Manchester United debut this week in what should be a special moment for his family.
Instead, the player’s brother was forced to respond to a provocative mainstream media post on social media about his performance, with a very small minority of online fans questioning why he had been signed.
Mount would admit it wasn’t a dream start for Old Trafford, but the reactionary and over-the-top comments made about him on social media were ridiculous and further proof why some opinions on Twitter shouldn’t be taken seriously.
The midfielder was ineffective against Wolves and struggled in the No8 role, but honest criticism and his analysis of his performance turned into a bizarre take when one fan tweeted: “D-t- does he need more time?”
This particular one The account has over 4,000 followers and thankfully there was a flood of reactions from level-headed fans defending Mount, who played in the red jersey for the first 90 minutes but again failed to disappoint.
If Mount didn’t know what it was like to play for the club, he certainly does now.Those who represent the club are subjected to scrutiny and boring portrayals draw attention. The gap between fans of the game and fans online has widened in recent years and those who left Old Trafford on Monday night were disappointed but not reactionary.
United still won the game 1-0, the most important part, but the opening day performance was underwhelming and Wolves understandably felt aggrieved to come away with nothing, especially after a late penalty appeal.
The chatter on the trams and buses home was about how just a few players, Andre Onana, Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Casemiro, had performed and how the others on the pitch had collectively been poor.
The starting attacking unit, Antony, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, had a night to forget and Erik ten Hag, speaking after the narrow victory, said those players ‘weren’t in their best form’ but that the goals would come.
Onana spoke to reporters in the mixed zone and he thanked Varane for the win. He was also asked about the midfield and diplomatically said they did ‘an amazing job’ because ultimately the three points had been claimed.
The goalkeeper came across well to journalists in his quick chat, but in reality, the midfield was an issue against Wolves and Casemiro was practically left to protect the defence from Wolves’ counter-attacks on his own.
An average position graphic from the game shows Casemiro surrounded by five Wolves players without Mount or Bruno Fernandes anywhere near him and that’s how Gary O’Neill’s side were able to transition with ease.
Mount made his name as a No.10, but he’s been brought to the club to play as a No.8 and his partnership with Fernandes certainly didn’t get off to a good start, as he lacked positional understanding and they didn’t work in tandem.
Fernandes was playing in the more advanced role and it was Mount’s responsibility to play as the No.8, but he didn’t play the deeper position effectively and he failed to cover enough blades of grass to help Casemiro in the centre.
Although Mount, Fernandes and Casemiro played together in pre-season, the physicality of Wolves was a different test and the trio looked like exactly what they were: three midfielders starting in their first competitive fixture together.
Mount impressed in the No.8 role throughout pre-season, but playing in the Premier League is a world away from low-tempo pre-season friendlies and so his performance against Wolves can definitely be forgiven.
It didn’t take long for Christian Eriksen, who was also previously an attacking midfielder, to master that role after the start of last season and that suggests Mount should be able to do the same, considering the qualities he possesses.
The summer was a learning curve for Mount because his new manager wanted him to play in a different role and with time, it’s hoped he’ll vindicate the £55million price tag he commanded to be signed from Chelsea this summer.
Ten Hag has followed Mount since he played in the Netherlands as a teenager and he’s always rated him highly.
