Man Utd boss Ten Hag confirms his new starting XI partnership

Manchester United got off to an excellent start in pre-season with a comfortable 2-0 win against Leeds as Mason Mount made his Red Devils debut. The £60m star impressed Erik ten Hag with his 45-minute cameo and was hailed as a “complete midfielder” by his new boss.

It’s clear Ten Hag intends to build his midfield around the Englishman next season and has revealed that a partnership of Mount, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro is his most likely trio in the centre of the park for the 2023/2024 campaign.

“I think you’ve seen today what he can bring,” said Ten Hag. “He’s ball-secure, has good solutions on the ball, is dynamic and is good at defending. He is a complete midfield player. He has some areas he has to work on but, in general, he’s a very good player who suits us and can help us achieve our goals.

“He was great, but we all expected this from him. This was just his first game, but he’s going to contribute to our performance so much. We know his capabilities and he will absolutely increase the level of our team.

“It’s exciting that we have him, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, but don’t forget we also have other options – for example, Christian Eriksen. One of the options we have is Bruno, Casemiro and Mason – and we have to see how that develops, how it progresses in pre-season and going into the season.”

Ten Hag has also given a lifeline to backup keeper Dean Henderson following the departure of David de Gea and affirms he would happily make him the new No 1 if he can’t complete a deal for Inter Milan shot-stopper Andre Onana.

When asked if Henderson was a genuine option between the sticks, Ten Hag replied: “Of course. I followed him through the whole of last season. Of course, goalkeeper is a key position, but I’m happy with the players we have now. You never know with transfers, but we’re working on it.”

Henderson spent last season out on loan at Nottingham Forest and was their first-choice goalkeeper up until he picked up a season-ending thigh injury in January. Despite having his time at the City Ground cut short, his stock has risen massively and many English clubs are said to be interested in acquiring his services.