Mason Mount impressed during his Manchester United debut in a pre-season friendly against Leeds on Wednesday afternoon, having completed a £60million move from Chelsea earlier this month. He lined up in a midfield three against the relegated side as United boss Erik ten Hag opted to use two different teams for each half, with Mount involved with the stronger team for the opening 45 minutes.
Mount played the entire half as a left-sided midfielder in a trio with youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Hannibal Mejbri, but his all-action attitude was clearly on show for all to see.
Despite wearing the famous number seven jersey, he did not seem phased as early into the game he pressed a Leeds defender high before robbing him of the ball and trying an audacious volley from 30 yards that just nestled on top of the net rather than inside.
His pressing was infectious while taking all set pieces in the absence of Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford, though he was unable to break the deadlock he got into promising positions on several occasions behind the line – as it was evident that he could fit neatly into the United team.
Mount’s signing was questioned in some sections of the fanbase who believed that a midfielder in the mould of Eriksen was necessary, but with the return of one of the best ball-playing defenders in the Premier League in Lisandro Martinez, Ten Hag may feel that a more attacking midfielder such as Mount will further enhance the team.
The Argentine centre-back also played the opening 45 minutes against Leeds, his first appearance since breaking his metatarsal in February, but aside from keeping Daniel Farke’s side at bay, reminded supporters of his ability to bring the ball out of defence – which will only further help Mount ahead of him.