Former Manchester United star admits he was shocked by how bad Mason Mount was last season

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha says he was shocked by the standard Mason Mount produced for the club last season and isn’t sure what to expect from him in the coming campaign.

The England international signed for the Red Devils from Chelsea last summer but failed to make much impact at all in his first year with the club.

That was partly down to injury, with a significant calf problem keeping him out for a substantial part of the season, but he still managed to make 20 appearances in all competitions.

Those 20 outings yielded just one goal and the 25-year-old’s performances were otherwise largely forgettable through a difficult campaign for Manchester United.

Saha couldn’t believe how little Mount was contributing to the team and has no time for excuse that teammates – notably Bruno Fernandes – may have been playing in the position the Englishman is accustomed to.

On whether he expects big things from Mount in the coming season, Saha told Betfred: ‘I really don’t know because I was shocked by the standard of Mason Mount last season.

‘I was shocked because he wasn’t finding the pockets, so he wasn’t dangerous when he was playing. He wasn’t impactful, so it was really strange. I don’t believe these excuses of having other players playing in your position that prevent your impact on games because you should have confidence in yourself to find ways to. I don’t believe football is that complicated.’

On a brighter note, the Frenchman added: ‘Coming into the new season, everything can change. You can have a different type of set-up or for players themselves, they can feel fresher from having a good pre-season. All those elements can work in your favour.

‘I’m asking a lot because Mason Mount is a player that we’re waiting on to shine, he’s got the number seven on his back and I’m still awaiting big things. It could be a tough season for him if he doesn’t shine quickly, so I hope he can be very courageous and play the game with a smile on his face and with no fear.

‘I believe he played with fear last season, but that could have been due to his fitness and injuries, so I hope that’s all behind him now.’

Mount is looking to impress Erik ten Hag in pre-season in the hope that he will have a better campaign this time around, but it hasn’t started brilliantly after starting in the 1-0 loss to Rosenborg on Monday.

After the defeat in Norway, Ten Hag hit out at his players for their level of performance, saying results matter even in friendlies.

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