Mason Mount receives strong backing after impressive Man Utd pre-season

Erik ten Hag has backed Mason Mount to prove his critics wrong after an impressive pre-season with Manchester United.

United signed Mount from Chelsea for a significant £60m fee last summer but are yet to see the best of the 25-year-old, who was restricted to just five Premier League starts because of a series of injury issues.

Pre-season was kind to Mount, who made five appearances and really caught the eye, with his performances in wins over Rangers and Liverpool leaving fans excited for the future with a healthy version of the midfielder in their ranks.

Manager Ten Hag was equally as excited by Mount's performances, admitting: "We know he's a high-class player and just bringing his skills in.

"Last season, he had a very bad season, a very tough season for him because of all his injuries, so now we are very pleased he had a very good pre-season.

"I’m sure he will now, from this point on, be contributing to the team if he stays fit. That counts for every player."

The first challenge for Mount as he seeks to maintain his impressive form comes on Saturday as United head to Wembley to battle Manchester City in the Community Shield.

Fitness issues mean Mount is likely to play a significant role against City. United are without Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund, while Ten Hag confirmed the defensive group of Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all doubtful for the fixture.

Mount played just one minute at the end of the FA Cup victory over Pep Guardiola's side last season but, now firing on all cylinders, the 25-year-old is likely to be among the first names on the team sheet.

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