Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and new signing Mason Mount are set to compete for the coveted No. 10 position in the upcoming season.
According to Fernandes, manager Erik ten Hag has not reached a decision on whether he or Mount will take on the role of No. 10 for the Red Devils in the upcoming season.
Mount, who joined Manchester United from Chelsea in a £60 million ($76 million) transfer, possesses great versatility, capable of playing in various positions, including as a playmaker, wide forward, or central midfielder.
As the season approaches, Fernandes admits that he is unsure about who will ultimately secure the No. 10 spot for Manchester United in the new campaign.
The competition between the two talented midfielders promises to be intense as they both aim to make a significant impact on the team.
“No, we haven’t spoken about that decision. It’s the manager who makes that decision. Both of us can play in many roles… We are really happy to have him here, wherever he plays, as a 10 or 8 or wing. We can both do that. The most important thing is that we help the team succeed,” he told reporters.
“I said this a couple of years ago, that he [Mount] is one of the best players in the Premier League at the time and I hope he can do it again because he is a really good player and he is still really young – he has a long way to go. He is really good at pressing, he has a lot of energy, and really good on the ball.
“He has goals and assists in him too. He can create chances so we are expecting a lot from him but he is aware of that. He is at a big club and he knows the expectations on him will be big,” he added.
Fernandes sent a hilarious welcome message to Mount by posting two pictures of a past duel with Mount from when United drew 1-1 with Chelsea at Old Trafford in the 2021-22 season. He has now spoken highly of Mount’s passion and aggression and vowed to defend his new team-mate.
“We need players with that kind of aggression and passion, we need players to be like that in the games.
“These are the kind of players that I like to play against and even more to have in my side so I am happy he is here now.
“And now instead of me on the side of David, it’s me on the side of Mason defending him from someone else. Now he is on my side and I will do everything I can to defend him,” he said.
The midfield duo will be in action against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday evening at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.