Liverpool - MU: Losing to MU would indeed be a disaster!

This weekend, MU will face a highly challenging away game at Liverpool’s Anfield, and many experts agree that coach Ruben Amorim has no alternative but to include Mason Mount in the starting lineup to achieve a good result.

The English midfielder’s current form, playing style, and tactical importance make him an essential component in Amorim’s strategy against the defending champions.

The key to an active defensive setup

After a long period of injury and inconsistent performances, Mount has returned and made a strong impression in the victory over Sunderland just before the international break. He scored the opening goal, worked tirelessly in pressing, and helped United maintain a 4-4-2 formation without possession — something coach Amorim praised as excellent and tactically sophisticated.

When facing Liverpool, a team with one of Europe’s strongest attacks (at least on paper), Mount’s defensive support is a crucial factor. He not only applies high pressing but also knows when to drop back to cover the full-back. Meanwhile, Matheus Cunha, who competes with Mount for the position, lacks tactical discipline and rarely participates effectively in pressing.

If Mount starts, Amorim can flexibly shift from a 3-4-3 to a 4-4-2 when losing possession without breaking the team’s structure. At that point, Mount takes on the role of a left-sided "number 10," contributing to attacks and ready to track Liverpool’s right winger. If Cunha replaces him, United will almost certainly be overloaded in that area.

Mount’s presence is not only defensive. Offensively, he is the key to enabling Amad Diallo to fully exploit counter-attacking opportunities. When the team sits deep, Mount tends to move centrally, hold the ball, and open passing lanes to the right flank, allowing Amad space to accelerate. This balance between pressing and control helps United create fast counterattacks without losing organization.

It’s no coincidence that from Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate to Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorim, all have trusted Mount. He is the kind of player every coach appreciates: disciplined, intelligent, tireless, and able to link the lines.

Over the past two seasons, Mount has faced many challenges due to injuries and declining form, making him a subject of doubt regarding his £55 million transfer to MU. However, when fit, the English midfielder consistently proves his value through high performance and professionalism.