Mason Mount, who started for the first time in five months in Manchester United’s goalless draw with Sunderland last weekend, was criticized by pundit Michael Owen.
Mason Mount has been criticized for his performance against Sunderland (Image: Manchester United, Getty Images)
Mason Mount’s father has slammed Manchester United midfielder Michael Owen, calling him a fool for criticizing the midfielder after he made his first start in five months against Sunderland last weekend. Mount missed the 3-2 win against Liverpool and played the full 90 minutes at the Stadium of Light.
The 27-year-old, who joined from Chelsea for £60m in 2023, was severely hampered by injuries in the North West, making just 70 appearances in almost three seasons. This season, Mount suffered a contusion in December that forced him to miss two games, then another injury caused him to miss six games from February to March.
He returned to the squad for the 3-1 win over Aston Villa in March, but had only played 26 minutes until last weekend. Five months after his injury at the end of last year, he was handed a starting role by manager Michael Carrick and played in last Saturday’s goalless stalemate against the Black Cats.
read more: 8 lessons Michael Carrick must learn from Manchester United’s failed predecessorread more: Manchester United learn of Ederson’s cheap transfer fee as club ‘in competition’ to complete contract
Commenting on the Sky Sports report, Owen asserted that the midfielder was not worth the club’s big spend. “Mason Mount is working hard but at the moment he is not performing anywhere near the level that Manchester United expected when he signed him,” he said.
“He looks a bit slow in possession, a bit behind in transition and he doesn’t have enough influence on the game in midfield. It’s clear that United don’t have a player like Casemiro in the middle of the park because there’s no real control or authority there.
“And even players like Benjamin Sesco are helping the structure with their movement and presence on the pitch. Sunderland look more energetic and sharper in the midfield areas at the moment. Manchester United need more intensity and personality from Mount, because that’s what you want in a game like this.”
The ex-Liverpool striker’s criticism sparked a fierce rebuttal from Mount’s father Tony, who cited his son’s long recovery from injury as the main reason for his apparent lack of sharpness.
Mount’s father Tony posted a message on social media.
“Not starting a match in 5 months might have something to do with looking rusty. Owen, you idiot,” he wrote on Instagram.
Meanwhile, Mount himself remains firmly confident in the impact he can have on this United team. “I always support myself. I know what I’m aiming for and what I can bring,” he previously told the BBC.
“I love being part of a huge club. It’s my third season and it’s been fulfilling. I’m a bit older now, a bit more experienced. There will be a lot more games next season.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+ and Ultimate TV packages
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundles to include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, plus 135 channels and complete coverage of the Premier League and EFL from Sky.
Sky has over 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more, with at least 215 of those live from the top flight, along with F1, darts and golf.
“To be able to help get this club back to the top it should be is very special. I had a little taste of winning something with this club in the FA Cup and it was unbelievable. To play in the Premier League? I can’t even imagine how special that would be.”
Carrick is a huge fan of the player and emphasizes his importance to the team. “He’s certainly a team player,” United’s interim head coach said.
“He’s a player I really like and Mason has a lot ahead of him. We’ve got to give him time to get fit again and be patient with that, but he’s certainly in a good place right now.”
However, Mount’s prospects at the club could depend on United’s summer transfer activity, with the club keen to bring in at least two new midfielders. Carlos Baleva, Matheus Fernandes, Elliott Anderson, Adam Wharton and Atalanta’s Ederson have all been named as potential targets.
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive daily Mirror Football content. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners.
If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
