New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has lauded Mason Mount, lavishing praise on the injury-riddled midfielder who is a “perfect” fit for the team’s new system.
Amorim was named as Erik ten Hag’s permanent successor at the start of November but is still waiting for his first game in charge of the club. The Portuguese boss has had limited training sessions with his full squad while many players were away on international duty.
Mount remained at Carrington, overlooked by England after fitness and form had limited him to just a pair of Premier League starts all season. The former Chelsea academy graduate has struggled to string together a sustained run of form ever since he joined United in 2023, but Amorim’s arrival offers hope of brighter times ahead.
“Mason Mount. I have to tell you I love that kid,” Amorim gushed during an interview with the club’s official website this week. “You can look in his eyes that he wants this so bad, and this is the most important thing for me.
“I know he was suffering from injuries, he was not on the pitch, but now he’s trying to stay fit and we hope he can continue to be fit, to show all the talent that he’s shown, for example, in Chelsea.”
Amorim was spotted during his first training session with United singling Mount out for praise. The former Sporting CP coach has already begun introducing the squad to his preferred 3-4-3 formation, a system which Mount is very familiar with.
The 25-year-old thrived in a similar setup when Thomas Tuchel took charge of Chelsea midway through the 2020/21 campaign, providing the assist for the only goal of that year’s Champions League final against Manchester City.
“He played in this system [before], so it’s perfect for him,” Amorim beamed. “I have two positions for Mason Mount, so he should be very happy!”
Mount will have the chance to earn even more adoration from Amorim when United take on Ipswich Town this Sunday afternoon. If the former England international is trusted to appear in the new manager’s first line up, it will be his first Premier League start since August.