Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim spoke glowingly about Mason Mount, despite the ex-Chelsea star's rough start at Old Trafford. Mount, 25, has been tormented by repeated injuries that have limited him to a disappointing 26 appearances in all competitions since joining from the West Londoners for £60 million.
He arrived with high expectations under Erik ten Hag and has so far failed to live up to the reputation he amassed at Stamford Bridge. The former England international is also widely loathed at his former club, who offered him a less than amicable reception when he faced them last year.
He was also involved in an ugly confrontation with his former team-mate Enzo Fernandez, who goaded the player by calling him a coward repeatedly. Mount's fortunes could be about to change at Old Trafford if Amorim's recent comments are anything to go by.
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In his first press conference, Amorim said: "I have to tell you I love that kid. You can look in his eyes that he wants this so bad. And this is the most important thing for me.
"I know he was suffering from injuries, he was not on the pitch, but now he's trying to stay fit, and we hope he can continue to be fit, to show all the talent that he's shown, for example, in Chelsea."
Mount's rough welcome back to Stamford Bridge was one of the more painful moments of his faltering debut campaign at Old Trafford. When he was introduced from the bench in the 86th minute, he was tasked with helping United close out the contest with the score at 3-2.
Instead, Cole Palmer scored two injury time goals to complete a hat-trick and steal the three points, sending the Chelsea fans crazy. Despite his small cameo on the pitch, Mount's presence was felt when he had a confrontation with his former team-mate soon after joining the field.
Towards the end of the contest, Fernandez could be seen going up to Mount and shouting: "This is Chelsea, coward, coward, coward."
Amorim will be keen to rediscover Mount's confidence, especially with the former Derby County star's adeptness in playing within the Portuguese boss' preferred 3-4-3 system. He has starred as one of the inside forwards within the system under Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea and with England, when Gareth Southgate occasionally switched to the system.
Amorim added: "He played in this system [before], so it's perfect for him. I have two positions for Mason Mount, so he should be very happy!"
Mount boasts 36 international caps, but has not represented the Three Lions since winning the penalty Harry Kane went on to miss in England's 2-1 loss to France in the World Cup quarter-final.
