Rio Ferdinand has highlighted one Manchester United player for bringing “something different” following their opening day loss to Arsenal.
Manchester United started their season with a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, after a mistake from Altay Bayindir handed the Gunners the win. The Turkish goalkeeper was beaten directly from a corner, marking the second time in as many seasons he’s conceded in that fashion.
READ MORE: The three Man United players who had Wayne Rooney concerned after 1-0 loss to Arsenal
This wasn’t the beginning Ruben Amorim had hoped for, especially with a trip to Fulham next on the schedule. But there were still signs of promise despite the result.
United controlled much of the play and finished with 22 shots but struggled again with finishing—a problem that carried over from last season. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo showed good early form, while Benjamin Sesko came off the bench for just 20 minutes.
The result wasn’t what fans wanted, but there were plenty of positives to take away from how United played.
Rio Ferdinand impressed by Mason Mount
After a summer overhaul of the attacking line, Ruben Amorim was expected to field a nearly new front three.
Cunha and Mbeumo both looked sharp on their debuts, while Mount earned his place in the side after catching the eye during pre-season.
Mount’s performance didn’t go unnoticed, with former United defender Rio Ferdinand praising his impact against Arsenal.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand highlighted what Mount adds to United’s squad.
“I really like what I saw from Mason Mount today. Again, in and out of possession. We all know what he can do in and around the box. He can score goals, he can create as well, but he’s out of possession,” said Ferdinand.
“His ability and his intelligence to move and to run when we have the ball when we don’t have the ball, I think is something that’s different to everything else we’ve got.”
With so many options up front this season compared to last year, Amorim has plenty of decisions to make.
Mount looks set for a bigger role this season
With a full pre-season under his belt and Amorim clearly backing him, Mount is in a good position to push on this year.
Amorim has made it clear he’s a fan of Mount, which should work in the midfielder’s favour as the season progresses.
If he can stay healthy, something that’s been an issue in his first two years at United, there’s every chance Amorim will look to build around him.
Last season, Mount was limited to just 26 appearances and managed three goals. It wasn’t the impact many had hoped for when he arrived.
This time around, with a strong start under his belt and more minutes likely coming his way, Mount will be looking to increase both his appearances and contributions in front of goal.
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