Mason Mount in Ten Hag’s system | Manchester United vs Olympique Lyon & Leeds

2 pre-season games have been enough to see Mason Mount’s role at Manchester United. Out of possession against Leeds pressing in a 4-2-3-1 with Mount in the double pivot, while against Olympique Lyon we saw something similar to a 4-1-4-1 with Kobbie Mainoo as defensive midfielder, making Mount a great job pressing. He showed aggressiveness, good tackles and and contributed a lot running into the box in several transitions, having a goal-scoring chance.

In possession Ten Hag’s system makes the shape change constantly. If we analyse the game against Leeds, we see here Mount playing as an advanced central midfielder. Although during many phases of the game his role in a 3-2-5 was closer to Mainoo in midfield. In the build-up he was part of the 2-3 setup with both United full-backs higher than the double pivot in many plays.

Against Olympique Lyon, Mount played in the same role but having an even deeper position, dropping down to receive at the same height as the defensive line. If you add the rotation, swapping positions constantly, trying to man-mark Manchester United will be a nightmare.

One of Mount’s main strengths is through passes. His ability to generate chances has to be one of his weapons to be an important player for Ten Hag, both with key passes and finishing plays, so playing higher will allow him to do it more often.

 These actions added to the runs attacking space will be what Ten Hag has to put in the balance to decide if Mount gets involved in the build-up. With the return of Bruno Fernandes and the upcoming matches we will discover the role of Mason Mount at Manchester United.