Mason Mount has declared he “loves” being entrusted as a leader at Manchester United after captaining the side in a 5-0 pre-season thrashing of Rosenborg. The midfielder was handed the armband by Michael Carrick when Harry Maguire was substituted, and promptly led the Red Devils to a comfortable victory in Trondheim.
Goals from Shea Lacey, Joshua Zirkzee, Justin Devaney, Harry Amass and Ethan Williams sealed the rout, but the evening was most notable for the blossoming partnership between Mount and new signing Andrey Santos. The Brazilian, who joined United from Chelsea for £50m this summer, sat deep, allowing the 27-year-old Mount to push forward.
“Mason Mount captained Man Utd in a 5-0 win over Rosenborg and praised his midfield partnership with Andrey Santos.”
“He’s a little bit more defensive, so it allows me to push on a little bit more and work off him,” Mount said of Santos. “Defensively as well, we’re both players that want to get around it, put tackles in, win the ball back and be aggressive. I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Mount, who moved to Old Trafford from Chelsea for £55m in 2023, has endured injury-hit seasons but is now relishing responsibility. “You have different types of leaders,” he said. “I see myself as one who leads by example and never stops working. I’ve been captain previously, years ago, so I love the role. Especially with a lot of younger players on the pitch, and off it as well, being able to speak to them and make them feel comfortable, it’s something I really like.”
The midfield partnership could ease United’s need for further reinforcements. The club have already spent £83m to bring in Santos and Youri Tielemans, while Manuel Ugarte is sidelined and Casemiro departed after his contract expired. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Tyler Adams, Roma’s Manu Kone, and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni have all been linked, but Mount’s form may offer Carrick an internal solution.
Next up for United is a clash with Atletico Madrid, followed by friendlies against Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds United and AC Milan before the competitive season starts at newly-promoted Hull City. Meanwhile, youngster JJ Gabriel was denied his senior debut despite the comfortable win, responding with a single word to the snub — though his reaction was not disclosed.
