Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim was full of praise for Mason Mount after he fought tooth and nail against Fiorentina.
United beat Fiorentina
United rounded off their pre-season preparations with a 1-1 draw against the Serie A side at Old Trafford before beating them 5-4 on penalties to win the Snapdragon Cup.
Robin Gosens’ own goal cancelled out Simon Sohm’s early opener for the visitors.
A shootout was needed at the end of regular time. Altay Bayindir made the only save of the shootout just before Kobbie Mainoo stepped up and dispatched the decisive spot-kick to secure the victory for United.
After the final whistle, Amorim spoke to MUTV and gave his verdict on the match. He singled out Mount for praise.
Mount led the line for United and did an admirable job, pressing aggressively and working hard to help the team both in and out of possession.
Amorim’s comments on the game and Mount
“Today was a tough match. It was important for us to take out the feeling of playing at Old Trafford out of the system. I think we had some difficulties, especially at the beginning of the first half and the beginning of the second half.”
“They have a lot of mobility and we struggled to find the right moment to press. But then, we controlled the game and I think we had a lack of fluidity in the game.”
“We can do better but I think it was a perfect game for preparations and to show us that we need to improve in different areas and that we are going to struggle in some moments.”
On United being dangerous when attacking set-pieces, Amorim remarked, “I think that is the most important thing. Of course we need to have good players to score goals but the way we are kicking the ball [delivery], it gives us a lot of chances to score.”
Asked about Mount and the midfielder’s work rate, Amorim answered, “It’s unbelievable! The way he works…I move him all the time but he knows all positions.”
“But also the other guys, it was a good test to prepare for the first game [of the season].”
Amorim gave his verdict on the developing relationship between new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
“Yeah, but they’re maybe at 50% or 60% of what they’re capable of doing. I think just like any other team, we’re going to improve during the season and they are going to be so much better.”
“In some moments I felt that we need…Because of the one-on-one on the pitch, we struggled without a reference as a striker. We have a new player now [Benjamin Sesko].”
Amorim admitted that he has a headache deciding who will start against Arsenal in a week’s time.
“That is a good thing. It’s supposed to be like that. Not like last season when we were struggling to put 11 players on the pitch.”
“This is the normal thing, so I need to think and they need to fight during the week, so they can change my mind. I have an idea [about who will start] but they need to change my mind.”
On the plan for the upcoming week, Amorim revealed that he and his coaching staff have organised two tough training sessions before giving the players a little bit of time off. The squad will then converge to put final plans in place for the Arsenal game.
Featured image Matt McNulty 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!
