Image Credits: Getty Images
Erik ten Hag has disclosed that Mason Mount was substituted during their 2-1 Premier League loss to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday due to an injury.
Mount, who joined United from Chelsea, was making his second consecutive Premier League start for the Red Devils at the Amex Stadium. He had previously played 61 minutes in their opening victory over Fulham.
The 25-year-old midfielder has had a challenging start to his debut season at Old Trafford, with fitness issues hindering his ability to make a significant impact.
On Saturday, Mount was deployed in the number 10 role, playing behind Bruno Fernandes, and he managed to influence the game during the first half.
However, Mount’s involvement in the match came to an abrupt end at halftime. He was replaced by Joshua Zirkzee, a decision that surprised many, given Mount’s solid performance in the opening 45 minutes.
Following the match, Ten Hag addressed the media and confirmed that Mount’s substitution was not due to tactical reasons.
Ten Hag confirms injury to Mason Mount
The Dutchman revealed that the playmaker had sustained another unspecified issue during the first half, which forced the change.
Ten Hag refrained from providing further details about Mount’s injury and expressed uncertainty about the severity of the issue.
He stated, “It was forced. He had an issue, he mentioned an issue and I didn’t want to take a risk. I don’t know how much of a worry it is in this moment. But we have a good bench.
“If you can bring Zirkzee and don’t hesitate, bring him off and you bring a player who has an impact and we see Josh had a great game.”
Ten Hag speaks on importance of squad depth
The United manager also emphasized the importance of squad depth, highlighting the contributions of other substitutes in the match.
“We have a squad, from the squad we will pick the best team. We have the starters, the finishers.
“Also today, the finishers had a good impact: when Garna [Garnacho] scores this (disallowed) goal, Scott doing well, Zirkzee had an impact, Matthijs de Ligt. They all did good but we need more than 11 players to be successful.”
Before Mount’s forced withdrawal, Manchester United found themselves trailing at the Amex, as former player Danny Welbeck capitalized on defensive lapses to score his 100th career goal.
United managed to equalize on the hour mark, with Amad Diallo’s shot deflecting off Jan Paul van Hecke and wrong-footing Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele. However, their celebrations were cut short.
Alejandro Garnacho thought he had given United the lead, but his goal was disallowed after Zirkzee was deemed offside when the ball deflected off his knee and into the net.
The match took another turn when Brighton secured the victory in injury time, with Joao Pedro heading home unchallenged to seal the win for the Seagulls.
Manchester United will look to bounce back when they host Liverpool at Old Trafford in a high-stakes clash next Sunday.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
