Ten Hag explains Mount substitution
Erik ten Hag has revealed that Mason Mount reported an issue at half-time of Manchester United's 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Reds were trailing to Danny Welbeck's opener when Joshua Zirkzee, last week's matchwinner against Fulham, was introduced in place of Mount, who had been busy in the opening 45 minutes.
The manager has explained that it was not a tactical move but a case of not taking a risk on the fitness of our no.7.
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"It was forced," Ten Hag told reporters at his post-match press conference on the south coast. "He mentioned an issue and I don't want to take the risk with him.
"I don't know how much of a worry it is, I can't say at this moment. But I think, when we have the good bench, and we can bring in Zirkzee, then don't hesitate. Bring Mount off and bring [on] a player who can have an impact."
In a separate interview with TNT Sports, the boss added: "It was a decision, he had some problems and he had an issue. We know the history of Mason, so we took him out."
Mount will hope to be available for a potential third successive start in the Premier League, when Liverpool provide the opposition at Old Trafford next Sunday.
The midfielder has a winner to his name against the Merseysiders, for Chelsea at Anfield in 2021, and his presence is enabling skipper Bruno Fernandes to push further forward and operate in a 'false-nine' position.