Credit: Imago/Manh Tung/Breaking Media

Chris Smith

Sun 17 August 2025 19:49, UK

Gary Neville hailed the performance of Mason Mount in Manchester United’s opening Premier League fixture of the season against Arsenal on Sunday.

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The Red Devils went down 1-0 at Old Trafford, but there was a lot to be optimistic about as their revamped attack caused title-chasing Arsenal plenty of problems.

The likes of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo kept the Gunners on the back foot for large stretches on Sunday, while Patrick Dorgu was unlucky not to draw United level with an effort off the post on the half-hour mark.

But while much of the talk will be about what that expensive duo – and Benjamin Sesko – can bring to Ruben Amorim’s side, Mount has also been singled out for credit.



Mason Mount looked sharp against Arsenal (Credit: Imago)

Playing on the left of a front three alongside Mbeumo and Cunha, Mount made his presence felt with two chances created and two shots, while playing six passes into the final third and having six touches in the opposition box.

The former England international put himself about physically, too, with 7.6km covered, seven sprints and a top speed of 30.7 km/h — frequently drifting into dangerous areas as he interchanged with Mbeumo and Cunha.

Mount was withdrawn just after the hour mark as he tired in the second half, which isn’t surprising given the injury problems he’s endured at Old Trafford.

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But not before earning special praise from Neville for his first-half showing.

“Mason Mount hasn’t played a lot of football for Man Utd, but this is one of his best 45 minutes in a red shirt,” the former Red Devils captain told Sky Sports.

Mason Mount vs Arsenal (Sofascore)

At the very least, you will always get a full shift from Mount when fit, but performances like this are a callback to his prime Chelsea days and proof he can still find his place at Old Trafford, despite their massive spending.

Indeed, the 26-year-old’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed by supporters, who were keen to join Neville in praising Mount.

One fan even went as far as saying that Mount is ‘better than’ star playmaker Bruno Fernandes.

Neville wasn’t the only United legend to notice Mount’s exploits, with fellow defensive great Rio Ferdinand name-dropping him during his verdict on the match.

“Positive other than the cheap goal,” Ferdinand posted on his Instagram story.

Mbeumo, Cunha and Mount all showing positive signs.

Chances created.”

United travel to Fulham next weekend before an away tie at Grimsby in the EFL Cup second round, with Mount hoping to get further minutes and use this performance as a springboard to better days after struggling across his first two years at Old Trafford.

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