Why Mason Mount is So Important for Amorim and Manchester United
After Manchester United’s victory over Sunderland, Rio Ferdinand observed: “What distinguishes Mason Mount’s game? Energy, relentless pressing, and commitment.”
Mount earned this glowing assessment from Ferdinand not just because of his excellent goal (converting a chance with just 0.08 xG), but because he appears to have become the most important player in Ruben Amorim’s system.
Mount: The Perfect Number 10 in the 3-4-3 Formation
Before Amorim’s appointment, The Athletic noted that only three outfield players had relevant experience playing in a three-center-back system: Matthijs de Ligt, Rasmus Højlund, and Mason Mount. Despite Manchester United’s challenging 11 months under Amorim, Mount has genuinely found his place in the Portuguese manager’s system.
In Amorim’s football philosophy, there are no traditional wingers. The attacking trio consists of a forward and two mobile number 10s. While wingers can practically fulfill this role (Brian Mbeumo currently plays as the right-sided number 10 at Manchester United), experience in a similar formation significantly accelerates understanding of Ruben’s tactical fundamentals.
“I have experience playing in a 3-4-3 formation, and I understand well what roles the coach wants to see in the team and what he demands from us. Perhaps at the start, he relied on me a bit more because I already knew how to operate in this position,” Mason reflected after the Sunderland match.
Mount’s Peak Under Thomas Tuchel’s 3-4-3
The best period of Mount’s career came precisely in Thomas Tuchel’s 3-4-3 system at Chelsea. During this stretch, Chelsea won the Champions League (Mount assisted Kai Havertz’s winning goal), the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup, while Mason recorded 13 goals and 16 assists in the 2021/22 season (11 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League).
“He has no weaknesses. He’s good in terms of character, talent, and physical attributes. He’s a great guy, never gets carried away by success or after victories,” praised Tuchel.
The Underrated Skillset
The 2021 version of Mason Mount wasn’t a highlight-reel hero and didn’t possess one standout skill. While contemporaries like Jack Grealish and James Maddison showcased charming dribbling and powerful shooting, Mount possessed a collection of subtle skills that required a tactical microscope to fully appreciate.
As sports journalist Slava Palagin emphasized before Euro 2020: “There are three important qualities that Mason possesses: football intelligence, vision, and technique. Mount can use each of these and chooses what works best to surprise the opponent in any given moment.”
This combination of qualities helps Mount execute his intentions: it’s one thing to recognize free space or spot an unmarked teammate, but another to punish the opposition with a precise pass or dribble. Mason doesn’t have a signature move that he constantly relies on; instead, he always has enough technique to apply it when needed.
What Does Mount Bring to Amorim’s System?
In 11 months under Amorim, Mount has already played more matches and minutes than during his entire time with Ten Hag. The productivity contrast is equally stark: 1 goal and 1 assist under Erik ten Hag compared to 4 goals and 1 assist under Amorim.
While these numbers still fall short of Mount’s peak performance and aren’t impressive for an attacking player, we’re talking about Manchester United in 2025. The fact that he’s scoring at all is positive progress.
Among the reasons for Mount’s increased involvement are not only his improved fitness (missing only two games in the last 7 months) but also his perfectly specific understanding of Amorim’s tactical demands.
Tactical Intelligence Meets System Requirements
Mount’s ability to interpret spaces and make intelligent decisions makes him invaluable in Amorim’s fluid attacking system. His understanding of when to press, when to drop deep, and when to make forward runs creates opportunities that statistics alone cannot capture.
The 3-4-3 system demands players who can perform multiple roles, and Mount’s versatility allows him to function as both a creative force and a defensive contributor. His energy in pressing from the front sets the tone for Manchester United’s defensive organization.
As Manchester United continues to adapt to Amorim’s philosophy, Mason Mount’s experience in similar systems and his understanding of the manager’s requirements make him not just a valuable player, but potentially the cornerstone of United’s attacking structure for seasons to come.
