Manchester United will kick off their pre-season preparations next Wednesday with a match against Leeds United in Norway.
This game will be the first of eight friendly matches that United will play before their Premier League opener against Wolves on August 14. The majority of these friendlies, specifically seven of them, will feature the first-team squad.
Prior to embarking on their pre-season tour in the United States in less than two weeks, United will play two more friendlies, including a match against Lyon just a week after facing Leeds.
United manager Erik ten Hag will have the opportunity to experiment and take risks during the pre-season, similar to any other club.
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This period allows the manager to try new strategies that may not be feasible during competitive matches. Additionally, it serves as a chance for players to enhance their fitness levels and for new signings like Mason Mount, who has recently joined from Chelsea, to adapt to the team’s playing style.
Although Mount is currently the only confirmed addition for the United squad travelling to the United States, there remains the possibility of further signings before the pre-season tour commences.
Mount’s signing opens up opportunities for the manager to explore various midfield options and potentially test out different combinations.
Let’s take a look at the five potential midfield pairings that the Dutchman may experiment with during the pre-season:
1. Casemiro-Mason Mount-Bruno Fernandes
This midfield trio is expected to be United’s strongest combination on paper. It is widely believed that Mount will assume the No.8 position previously occupied by Christian Eriksen.
In this role, Mount will have the freedom to operate in both defensive and offensive areas, providing defensive support to Casemiro while contributing to the attacking play alongside Fernandes.
Mount’s defensive statistics are more promising than those of Eriksen, making him suitable for a deeper role where he can influence the game’s flow.
He is an excellent complement to Casemiro in the defensive position and Fernandes in the most advanced midfield position.
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2. Casemiro-Bruno Fernandes-Mason Mount
In this alternative setup, the midfield trio remains the same, but their roles are adjusted.
While Casemiro’s position remains unchanged, Ten Hag might consider swapping the roles of Mount and Bruno Fernandes.
Mount could be positioned higher up the field, functioning as a No.10, while Fernandes would drop deeper.
During the previous season, Fernandes showcased his capability to drop deep and have an impact on games as a secondary playmaker.
By receiving the ball from the defence, he possesses the ability to turn and initiate attacks from a deeper position. On the other hand, Mount is no stranger to playing as a No.10 and can adapt well to this role.
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3. Casemiro-Christian Eriksen-Bruno Fernandes
Despite Mount’s arrival at United, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Eriksen’s importance will fade away.
Eriksen had an impressive debut season at the club and having competition for a starting position might actually benefit him.
The Danish playmaker thrived in the No.8 role and there’s every chance he can continue to excel alongside Casemiro and Fernandes in midfield.
It is highly likely that United’s strongest midfield combination from the previous season will be featured again during the pre-season.
4. Casemiro-Christian Eriksen-Mason Mount
Fernandes was the player with the highest number of minutes played across Europe’s top five leagues last season.
Therefore, Mount’s arrival will provide Fernandes with more opportunities to rest and take breaks when needed.
While the English midfielder is expected to primarily feature as a No.8, he can also step in for Fernandes in the attacking midfield position.
In such a scenario, Mount would have the reassurance of having Casemiro and Eriksen as potential midfield partners. This combination is most likely to be seen if Fernandes faces an injury or suspension.
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5. Scott McTominay-Christian Eriksen-Mason Mount
The inclusion of Mount in United’s midfield options provides Ten Hag with more flexibility to make occasional changes, especially in cup matches.
Despite uncertainties surrounding Scott McTominay’s future at the club, he might still have a role to play, especially if Fred leaves.
McTominay is the closest player to Casemiro in terms of playing style, although he is not as defensively proficient.
This could allow him to partner with Eriksen in one of the deeper midfield positions. Consequently, Mount could operate as the creative force in the No.10 role, dictating the game’s tempo.
