Mason Mount: Manchester United midfielder talks overcoming setbacks, returning to best form and World Cup hopes | Soccer News

If there’s anyone who has spent this season reminding people of his potential, it’s Mason Mount.

The Manchester United midfielder has been plagued by setbacks in recent years, whether it’s injuries, poor results or being shown the door by Chelsea, the club he spent 18 years with.

The 26-year-old’s will to keep fighting even when the going seems tough is starting to bear fruit. Mount has started the last three games and will be hoping to reach four games for the second time in his Old Trafford career when Newcastle visit on Boxing Day, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Overcoming so many hurdles isn’t easy, but Mount credits his resilience to his early days chasing his dream of becoming a professional soccer player.

“When I was a kid it was always important to me to get into the first team,” Mount told Sky Sports.

“I don’t think I was down that much when I was younger, I was very lucky to play on a really good team and win a lot.

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“As you get older, you know there are always ups and downs, and the downs I had were losing big matches, losing finals.

“It’s definitely something you have to learn and overcome.”

It’s been just over a year since what was considered one of Mount’s lowest moments in a United shirt. With the support of new manager Ruben Amorim, he started the Manchester derby against City, but was forced off with an injury after playing just 12 minutes.

It was another blow to Mount’s fitness and he looked at his lowest as he walked away with United’s physios.

“It was very difficult because the manager had just come in,” he recalls.

“I was coming into the team, and when I felt it, I thought, ‘This is not going to be a good team.’

“It takes a couple of days to figure it out. But for me it was always like, ‘I’m back to normal, focus. How can I get back to normal and be at my best as soon as possible?'”

His hard work paid off, with Gary Neville saying during the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa that the Red Devils were a better team with Mount in attendance. That reputation ultimately comes down to the time Mount spent making it happen.

“There’s a lot of things that people don’t see, but within the group, I think it’s really important for myself and the players to bring that energy to the pitch.

“When you see me start pressing or press when the goalie isn’t on, it gives the rest of the players a chance to go.

“I’m used a bit higher up in the position I’m used to. I can move forward, I can get into the box, and when I don’t have the ball I can drop back and help the midfield players.”

“I think he’s really close to getting back to that (his best level). I think with what he’s been through and what he’s been through, I think (his best level) could be higher than it was before.”

“In the last few years it was difficult to even get close to that level. But now I’ve had a very good pre-season and played a lot of games. The legs took a long time. I feel like I’m getting closer to coming back.”

What are your hopes for the World Cup? It all starts at the club

If Mount reaches the peak of his abilities, some may start thinking about booking a ticket to North America next summer.

England manager Thomas Tuchel knows Mount well, and when Tuchel’s Chelsea won the Champions League in 2021, the playmaker provided the assist for the winning goal.

If Mount can continue to prove his worth, there’s a good chance the stars will align, but he’s not hooked yet.

When asked about his hopes for the World Cup, he said, “I always say it starts with the club. If you perform well at the club, you have a chance to make the national team.”

“First and foremost, if we are doing well, winning games and pushing up the league, then we have that chance.

“Obviously, I know Thomas, I know what he’s like, and I’m going to do everything I can to get on that team.”