Ten Hag: Mount has difference-making ability

The former Chelsea man was our first summer signing and was instantly awarded the responsibility of carrying our iconic number seven on his back for the new season.

After suffering an injury in just our second game of the campaign against Tottenham that kept him out until last month's Carabao Cup contest with Palace, Mount has been a welcome return to the squad in recent weeks and looks to have built sharpness along with familiarity in his new surroundings upon every appearance.

This weekend's clash with Manchester City could now provide the 24-year-old with the ample opportunity to become a real hero with the United fans early in his Old Trafford story and, ahead of the match, Ten Hag has been talking up the England international's capabilities in his squad.

“I think in every game, our game would benefit from Mason Mount,” stated Erik, during the second part of Friday's pre-match press conference at Carrington.

“I don't have any concern to line him up. He did come on in a lot of games, he started in a lot of games.

“In the last game [against FC Copenhagen] he didn't [play], but definitely he is one we consider for Sunday because as you say, he has abilities to be very helpful against City.”

Despite a disrupted start to his career at United with the injury, Mount has already been able to demonstrate his impressive skill set, and a player of his ability could prove to be a difference-maker against Pep Guardiola's side.

Our no.7 of course provided a vital assist for Kai Havertz back in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final, as Chelsea ran out 1-0 winners in Porto, against City.

It is that same creative spark many will hope to see on show in M16 this weekend, as Ten Hag's side look to record a fourth consecutive win in all competitions.