A host of TNT Sports pundits praised Mason Mount following his sensational off-the-bench performance in Manchester United’s 4-1 victory over Athletic Club.
United beat Athletic 7-1 on aggregate to book their spot in the final, where they will face Tottenham Hotspur.
Mikel Jauregizar gave the visitors the lead at the half-hour mark to silence the Old Trafford crowd and give Athletic some hope of mounting a comeback.
They pushed hard in the opening stages of the second half but United had an answer for everything that was thrown at them. Ruben Amorim then looked to his bench and brought on Mount, Amad and Luke Shaw. Mount restored parity in the 72nd minute, getting on the end of a Leny Yoro pass and swivelling before firing into the far right corner.
Casemiro put the Red Devils in the lead just moments later with a headed finish. Rasmus Hojlund then turned in a low cross from Amad, who ran riot down the right flank. Mount capped it off in style, lofting the ball into an empty net from 45 yards out.
After the final whistle, an emotional Mount revealed that he had been waiting for such a moment after a tough start at United, that’s been riddled with injuries.
Amorim was also very complimentary of the England international, lauding his diligent work ethic and commitment.
TNT pundit Robbie Savage said about Mount [as quoted by the Daily Mail], “I think it has been the best 30 minutes of his career. What a performance from Mason Mount.”
“The first goal is brilliant, the second magnificent. I said shoot, you could see the goalkeeper, the touch is brilliant but he drives it with his left, that in unbelievable. We have seen Wayne Rooney do it the best 30 minutes possibly of his life. The best half an hour on a football pitch.”
Former United star Owen Hargreaves added, “his is Chelsea Mason in terms of smart. That is Mason in a position he is comfortable in and he is a great finsher but if he is fit and healthy he can do it.”
Paul Scholes continued, “He will have a lot to offer if he is fit, that is the big issue, but get him up to speed and in this system too he looks perfect for one of the number 10 positions from now until the end of the season and kick on, they have a really good player.”
Mount has made 22 appearances across all competitions this term. He has notched three goals in that period.
Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
