Erik ten Hag is convinced Mason Mount will become a ‘key player’ at Manchester United despite his struggles since arriving at Old Trafford.
United signed the England international in a deal worth an initial £55million from Chelsea last summer with Arsenal and Liverpool also thought to have been interested in his services.
Mount was immediately handed the club’s famous no7 shirt such was their faith in their new arrival but the 25-year-old has endured a horror first season in Manchester which has been dogged by injuries.
He started United’s first two games of the season before being sidelined with a knock, returning in late September.
He started just five more games before injury struck again, having not featured since the 1-0 win over Luton in November. The midfielder is still to score for his new club with just one assist to his name.
Mount could make his long-awaited return on Sunday, set to be included in the squad when United take on Liverpool in their FA Cup quarter-final clash at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag is looking forward to Mount’s return and is confident he can have a crucial role to play before the end of the season.
‘I’m convinced he’ll be a key player. He didn’t have the chance to prove this point. But he will be a very good player for United,’ ten Hag said.
‘It’s been really unfortunate and disappointing for him but also for us when you have such a class player in the middle and you can’t play him.
‘I am sure that when he is fit and playing he will get into that rhythm, he will contribute to a successful Manchester United I’m sure.’
United also hope to have Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka available for the visit of Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Lisandro Martinez remains unavailable but could be back following the international break. Luke Shaw is another still on the sidelines along with Tyrell Malacia, who has not played all season.
