‘Mason Mount gets punches at Man United training ground after injury absence’
Man United midfielder Mason Mount was subjected to a Ruben Amorim custom after his return from an injury lay-off, reports The Times.
Whilst the news of a “new” Old Trafford have dominated headlines, Mount’s return to the training ground will be a welcome sight, even if it did involve the former Chelsea man taking a punch or two.
Struggling Man United announced their plans to build a 100,000-seater stadium on Monday (10 March), at a cost of £2billion.
The plan is for the build to take five years, two years shy of the original estimate that Man United fans would have to wait until 2032 for their new home.
But the primary focus remains on the pitch and Mount plus three teammates were the centre of attention at training.
Ruben Amorim encourages Man United stars to celebrate milestones
On birthdays, or other significant milestones, Amorim has introduced the custom of having players run between two rows of their team-mates, whilst receiving playful punches, reports The Times.
Mount and Manuel Ugarte have recently returned from injury, and Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven have made their first-team debuts for the club, resulting in all four players receiving the “bumps” on Wednesday (12 March).
The ritual was watched on by a smiling Amorim, after Man United earnt a point against rivals Arsenal at the weekend.
However, whilst it was a jovial training session, the general mood at the Carrington training ground has been more sombre recently, thanks to 450 Man United staff losing their jobs since the summer, and the team’s underwhelming performances this season.
Mason Mount could fit perfectly into Ruben Amorim’s system
Football Insider Verdict
Mount’s transfer from Chelsea to Man United in the summer of 2023 for £55million [Sky Sports] has been a disastrous piece of business. So far.
Injuries have limited the England international to just 22 Premier League appearances in two seasons, and even when on the pitch, the former Derby man’s output has been limited, scoring just one goal.
However, Mount is a talented footballer, and could slide seamlessly into Amorim’s tactical set-up.
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Mount |
| Appearances | 8 |
| Starts | 4 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Minutes | 247 |
The attacking midfielder’s most productive season came under Thomas Tuchel in the 2021/22 season, when the 26-year-old scored 11 goals, and assisted 10 in 32 Premier League matches, finishing third.
The German manager deployed the same formation at Chelsea, as Amorim does at United, a 3-4-2-1 shape with two central attacking midfielders, encouraged to roam, and find space.
If Mount can find fitness, and form again, his best bet may be under the Portuguese manager, given his tactical style perfectly suits the England international.