Mason Mount of Manchester United

Mason Mount's one-word reaction to Arsenal defeat speaks volumes as Man Utd look for fresh start

Arsenal came from behind to beat Manchester United 2-1 in a pre-season friendly in Los Angeles, with Mason Mount offering a brief response on social media

29 Jul 2024, 17:00 by Bruna Reis · Manchester Evening News

Mason Mount's one-word reaction to Manchester United's defeat to Arsenal spoke volumes as he looks for a fresh start at Old Trafford.

The former Chelsea midfielder endured a disappointing first season with the Reds, with his cause not helped by injury. After a tough season overall for United - albeit one rounded off by a surprise FA Cup triumph over Manchester City, numerous figures at the club are looking for a clean break.

They include head coach Erik ten Hag, who has not only been kept on but has signed a new long-term contract. Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho has been reintegrated back into the squad following his public falling out with Ten Hag, who said the club had "found complete unity" as he penned his new deal.

Mount, meanwhile, is looking to regain the form that made him a fixture in Gareth Southgate's England squad. And despite a 2-1 loss to Arsenal in Los Angeles, Mount was keen to stay positive as he took to social media after the game.

Posting an image of himself being helped to his feet by Casemiro, he captioned it: "Together" on Instagram. This appeared to show the unity within the squad and among the players and staff ahead of the new season.

He also shared a picture celebrating with Rasmus Hojlund, captioning it: "Love it lads". Ten Hag has recently defended Mount, stating that it's not fair to judge him based on his first season at United due to injury.

The Dutch manager, who played Mount on the right wing in the match against Arsenal, praised the player's adaptability, saying: "You can't judge his season because he was injured. Don't judge him. But when he is fit, he will be a very good player for us, and we can use him, versatile.

"You need certain types in the squad, team players, multifunctional players he is one of the players who can play in several positions, he will help the team."

However, United's optimism may be challenged by a couple of worrying injuries that emerged during the Arsenal game. Hojlund was substituted early after scoring the opening goal for United, and new signing Leny Yoro also had to leave the pitch.

While neither injury is believed to be severe, they pose a problem for Ten Hag as he prepares for the Community Shield match against City on Saturday, August 10.

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