Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has revealed that Mason Mount is on course to "return" against Burnley over the weekend.
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Mount has been absent for the last two gamesHad been nursing a calf injury earlier in the seasonMidfielder has made just 17 appearances since arriving at OTWHAT HAPPENED?
Since joining the Red Devils in a £55 million ($44 million) deal from his boyhood club Chelsea, Mount has been hampered by several injuries, limiting him to just 17 appearances for the club. Despite recently recovering from a calf injury, the 25-year-old once again felt a niggle which forced him to miss United's last two games, including their victories against Sheffield United in the league and Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT TEN HAG SAID
Ten Hag told BBC's Match of the Day: "For coming back for the game against Burnley, I don't expect (the majority of United's players to make a comeback). Mason Mount, he will return, I think."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
However, Ten Hag also revealed that there would be no reinforcements in the defensive line, with several key defenders sidelined due to injury including Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane, and Willy Kambwala. This has left the Dutch tactician with limited options at the back prompting him to use Brazilian midfielder Casemiro in central defence. Partnering with Harry Maguire, Casemiro's presence has been unable to provide stability to United's backline, conceding five goals in the last two games.
Yet Tan Hag backed Casemiro's abilities as a centre-back and said: "I think he’s a very good centre-back, together with Harry. Very stable in and out of possession.”
(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?
Mount's potential return could provide a timely boost to United's midfield, offering additional creativity and attacking impetus in the crucial stages of the season. They currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League table, three points ahead of Newcastle United but seven behind Tottenham Hotspur who are holding on to the Europa League spot. After hosting Burnley, they will be in line to face Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton in the Premier League.