Erik ten Hag insists Mason Mount can star for Man Utd despite injury woes

Erik ten Hag has backed midfielder Mason Mount to be a "key player" for Manchester United as they aim to finish the season with silverware.

The 25-year-old, who moved to Old Trafford last summer in a £60m move from Chelsea, has struggled with a calf injury since leaving his boyhood club.

Mount excelled for both Chelsea and England prior to his Stamford Bridge exit and was brought in alongside fellow signings Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund as the Red Devils looked to improve on their finish of third in the Premier League last season.

However, feelings have sunk in recent months, with Mount not featuring since November when United beat Luton 1-0 in the Premier League.

But hope has not faltered for all, with boss Ten Hag confident Mount will be an integral player for the team moving forward.

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Speaking to the media before the highly-anticipated clash with Liverpool in the FA Cup, Ten Hag said: "I am convinced he will be a [key player].

"He didn't have the chance to prove this point, but he will be a very good player for Manchester United. It is really unfortunate, really disappointing for him, but also for us when you have such a class player in your middle and you cannot play him.

"He has had three injuries, as we all know, so he didn't, at any time, get into a rhythm. I am sure that when he is fit, he will play. He will get into that rhythm and he will contribute to a successful United."

Ten Hag confirmed Mount is now back in training for the first time since November, signalling an imminent return to the pitch. Despite making just 12 appearances for United so far, Mount remains an important player for the team, who have struggled to maintain strength in midfield in recent Games.

United will be hoping to utilise the skills of Mount when they face giants such as Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as his former club Chelsea, in the coming weeks.

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