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Given that he only arrived at Old Trafford this summer, the 24-year-old may simply be getting to grips with the new system and attempting to settle in. But the role does not appear to utilise his best attributes and has simply left Casemiro with a two-man job in trying to protect the backline when attempting to fill the vacant space left by his new teammate.<\/p>\n
When at his best, Mount has been deployed as a No 10 and has been allowed to get across the pitch to make use of his creativity and his willingness to get on the ball and make things happen. But that is not what is required when playing as a central midfielder in Ten Hag\u2019s system, and he is compromising the team at this stage.<\/p>\n
Fernandes\u2019 attacking impact has decreased as a result, with an argument to be had over whether the Portugal international and Mount are capable of playing in a midfield three together given their similar styles and desire to occupy similar spaces.<\/p>\n
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We will see if Fernandes thrives once more in Mount’s absence in the coming weeks with the ex-Chelsea man set for a spell out injured.<\/p>\n
When he returns though, the pair may be better suited to rotating and allowing each other to rest for certain fixtures this season in what will be a congested campaign now that the Red Devils are back in the Champions League.<\/p>\n
Time may be able to heal the matter, but United\u2019s desire to sign another midfielder this summer would highlight that Ten Hag is demanding further reinforcements and could suggest that he has already recognised that Mount needs to push forward and be relieved of defensive duties.<\/p>\n
It remains to be seen whether an acquisition late in the window changes the shape of the midfield or if the ex-Ajax boss feels that he can mould Mount into the midfielder that his side needs once he’s back to full fitness.<\/p>\n