Mason Mounting a comeback for Man Utd and England

Mason Mount has lost time to make up for at Manchester United. 

The midfielder has only made 13 appearances for the Red Devils since his summer move from Chelsea. 

He has been unavailable with a calf injury in recent months but returned to Erik ten Hag's team as a substitute during the thrilling 4-3 FA Cup win against Liverpool last Sunday. 

With Mount set to be a fresh option for United when they visit Brentford after the international break, we take a look at the England man's troubled time at Old Trafford and what lays ahead for him. 

Liverpool return

Mount took to social media to express his joy at returning to action, having played in the final 15 minutes of the extra-time victory over United's fierce rivals from Merseyside.

He wrote: "This is what it means to be a part of this team! Can't wait for the next one!"

Ten Hag will also be looking forward to having Mount available for more action before the end of the season, with a top-four finish and FA Cup glory still within reach.

Before the win against Jurgen Kiopp's men, the Dutch boss spoke about Mount's fitness issues since moving to Manchester and his hopes for him. 

Ten Hag said: "I'm convinced he'll be a key player.

"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 midfield and you can't play him.

"He had three injuries as we all know, so he didn't get a rhythm at any time. 

"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."

Position shift

United struck a deal worth £60million to sign Mount, with the intention of playing him in a deeper role than had generally been the case at Chelsea. 

Back in pre-season, Ten Hag spoke about how he had faith that this positional shift would work. 

He said: "He wants to be more multifunctional. That's the way I see football but it will not come overnight.

"There's a process we have to go through but he's very intelligent.

"He has the technical abilities, has also good vision on the ball. He knows how to deal with the ball.

"He has the dynamics, don't forget that. He has the mentality. 

"So, all the ingredients are there to do it."

Euro hopes

Mount now has extra competition for a place in the United midfield from teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo. 

The 18-year-old has become a regular in Ten Hag's team, starting alongside Scott McTominay in the victory against Liverpool, with Casemiro currently out with an injury. 

Mainoo has also now graduated to the England squad for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. 

This development highlights both how long Mount has been out for and how quickly things can change in football. 

The 25-year-old has been a favourite of Gareth Southgate and featured at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup for the Three Lions.

Mount's priority is to establish himself at United during the closing weeks of the season. 

Though the European Championships may well come too soon for him, the possible prize of an England place adds to the hunger of a player, who must now prove himself all over again.