“We could change his position because oh this…”: Erik ten Hag reveals why Kobbie Mainoo could soon be forced into a Man United position change
Mason Mount is getting close to making his Manchester United comeback, exactly four months after his last game.
The midfielder has resumed training, according to United, ahead of Sunday’s eagerly awaited FA Cup quarterfinal at Old Trafford against Liverpool. Manager Erik ten Hag identified the match against Brentford on March 30 as his comeback date last week, though they haven’t given a precise date.
Mount, who may eventually be worth up to £60 million, joined United from Chelsea in July of last year. Despite this, Mount has only made 12 appearances for the team. Due to a recent calf issue, he missed five games between late August and early September, totaling 21 missed games.
In essence, United signed the 25-year-old last summer to replace Christian Eriksen in the engine room because he had younger legs and greater mobility. Mount has only been with the Reds for eight months, so it is hard to evaluate his tenure thus far.
Even though Mount is frequently recognized as an attacking midfielder, he has acknowledged since joining United that he prefers to play as a No. 8, controlling play from deep. Eriksen had the same part in the previous campaign.
Mount was clearly part of Ten Hag’s plan to carry out the same task, playing in a three-man midfield with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes. But Kobbie Mainoo, who combines a strong defensive game with creative passing, has emerged as United’s primary No. 8.
The 18-year-old made his 12th consecutive Premier League start on Saturday against Everton, and it is hard to see him falling out of Ten Hag’s first-choice starting lineup anytime soon. He has stepped up and given United the poise on the ball that other more experienced players have not been able to provide.
Mainoo may be affected by Mount’s imminent return from injury, but Casemiro may not make the starting lineup. Due to his poor performance against Everton and frequent ball giveaways this season, United will most likely need to look for a replacement in the summer.
However, there is a case to be made for Mainoo to fall to the sixth spot. This season, he has filled in admirably as Ten Hag’s go-to defensive midfielder, giving him the possession and control that Ten Hag needs from his midfield players.
Mainoo’s defensive stats in the Premier League thus far this season include an average of 0.9 interceptions per 90, 1.7 tackles per 90, and 3.3 ball recoveries per 90. In comparison, Casemiro has averaged 3.3 tackles per 90, 4.9 ball recoveries per 90, and 0.7 interceptions per 90 in 15 Premier League games.
Ten Hag may try starting Mainoo and Mount behind Fernandes in games where United is the favorite, keeping an eye on the future. United should consider it in the long run, as it may yield advantages in the near term.
