Paul Merson Calls on Mason Mount to Avoid Early Substitutions
Manchester United’s summer signing, Mason Mount, has made a notable return to the Premier League this season. After a tumultuous 2023/24 campaign marred by injuries, Mount’s mere presence in the starting lineup is already a promising sign.
However, his early substitutions in the first two competitive matches of the season have raised eyebrows, particularly from former Arsenal midfielder and current Sky Sports pundit, Paul Merson.
Mount, who had an illustrious run with Chelsea, including a memorable Champions League victory in 2021, found himself on the fringes of the team last season due to persistent injury problems.
The 24-year-old midfielder managed only five Premier League starts during his final season at Stamford Bridge, a stark contrast to his previous seasons where he was a pivotal figure for the Blues.
This summer, Mount made a significant move to Old Trafford, hoping for a fresh start and a chance to regain his best form.
In Manchester United’s Community Shield clash and their Premier League opener, Mount was handed starting roles.
However, in both matches, he was substituted around the 60-minute mark. This pattern has not gone unnoticed by Paul Merson, who has challenged Mount to prove his worth and avoid becoming the first player manager Erik ten Hag looks to replace when the going gets tough.
“When the going gets tough for Manchester United, he’s usually the first to come off, and he has to work towards changing that,” Merson commented in an interview with SportsKeeda. He further elaborated, “I am actually a big fan of Mount, but he needs a little bit of luck.”
Merson’s remarks underscore the importance of Mount’s role in the team, especially in light of his previous performances at Chelsea.
Despite being a fan of the young midfielder, Merson believes that Mount must do more to cement his place in the squad, especially in a team as competitive as Manchester United, where the bench is filled with talented players eager to make their mark.
However, it’s essential to consider that Mount is not the only player who has been substituted early in the season.
Winger Amad Diallo has faced a similar situation, being taken off after an hour in both matches. This could indicate that Manchester United’s management is being cautious with players who have had injury issues in the past.
Given Mount’s history, it’s likely that Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff are being careful not to push him too hard too soon.
From United’s perspective, this approach is a strategic one. After all, rushing Mount back into full-match fitness could risk a recurrence of the injuries that plagued him last season.
Instead, United seems to be playing the long game, gradually building Mount’s fitness and confidence while also giving opportunities to other players like Alejandro Garnacho, who was on the bench in the opener.
Despite the early substitutions, Mount has already made a significant impact on the pitch.
His pressing game was instrumental in United’s Premier League opener, where he recorded the highest number of ‘counter-pressures’ across the league during the weekend, all within just 60 minutes of play.
Interestingly, after Mount was substituted, United appeared to struggle more defensively, allowing Fulham more opportunities to press forward.
While Merson’s comments highlight an area of concern, it’s clear that Mount’s early substitutions are part of a broader strategy to manage his fitness and integrate him smoothly into the squad.
As the season progresses, it will be crucial for Mount to continue making strides in his performances, aiming to become an indispensable part of the Manchester United lineup.
In the end, Merson’s challenge to Mount serves as a reminder of the high expectations surrounding the young midfielder.
While Mount has shown glimpses of his potential, the journey to becoming undroppable at a club like Manchester United requires consistency, resilience, and a bit of luck.
Paul Merson Calls on Mason Mount to Avoid Early Substitutions