Erik ten Hag has admitted one of his biggest Manchester United signings hasn’t reached his full potential yet, but he’s convinced he will.
It’s been a difficult second season in charge of Manchester United for Erik ten Hag, with his side regressing massively on the progress made last season.
United finished bottom of their Champions League group and never stood a chance of winning the Premier League.
The FA Cup is the only remaining shot at winning silverware but nowJurgen Klopp’s fantastic Liverpool stand in the way in Sunday’s quarter-final.
Ten Hag’s job is at massive risk ahead of the summer following Sir Jim Ratcliffe taking over control of football operations.
However, the manager has been hamstrung by injuries which have plagued his squad all season but there is finally some good news.
Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Mason Mount are all available to play against Liverpool.
Having Hojlund back is a massive boost but so is midfielder Mount, who has been out of action since November.
The 25-year-old has struggled since his move from Chelsea in the summer and Ten Hag admits he hasn’t been able to show his best yet.
Erik ten Hag on Mason Mount
When asked if he thinks Mount will come good for United in hispre-match press conference, Ten Hag said: “I’m convinced he will be.
“He didn’t have a chance to prove this point, but he will be a very good player for Manchester United.
“It’s really unfortunate, it’s really disappointing for him but also for us when you have such a class player in your middle, and you can’t play him.”
“He had three injuries as we all know, so he didn’t any time get in a rhythm.
“But I’m sure when he is fit and he plays he will get into that rhythm and he will contribute to a successful Manchester United, I’m sure.”
A disappointing signing so far
Mount can’t be blamed for missing matches but it sure does mean United have wasted a whole lot of money.
Ten Hag was desperate to sign Mount in the summer and the club raised its own limit to purchase him for £60m even though he had just a year left on his contract.
United paid a premium to get Mount a year early rather than on a free in 2024 and he has played just 12 matches so far. That’s £5m per game.
But even when Mount was playing, he was hardly proving himself worthy of such a high investment.
United need more quality in midfield and they need Mount to start providing it now he’s fit. He needs to prove Ten Hag’s belief is well-placed.