Mason Mount’s return to Stamford Bridge is one of the more interesting subplots ahead of Chelsea’s meeting with Manchester United, but the big question is whether the former Blues midfielder will be given the chance to face his old club from the start.
You can hear the boos and hate from down the road in Fulham as Mount will come out against his boyhood club to warm up, potentially start or come off the bench.
Mount left Chelsea in 2023 to join United, bringing an end to a long association with the club where he developed into a first-team regular and became a Champions League winner, amongst being a firm fan favourite during his time. His departure was a significant one for supporters, particularly given his connection with the academy and the role he played under Thomas Tuchel.
Mount has returned to Stamford Bridge three times without scoring or providing an assist. His record includes one start and two substitute appearances, each accompanied by boos from sections of the Matthew Harding Stand and Shed End.
His record at his former home is reflective of his time at Old Trafford, where things have, by all accounts, failed to go quite as planned. Injuries and inconsistent opportunities have prevented Mount from establishing himself as a regular, leaving questions over where he fits into Michael Carrick’s plans.
He featured on the left wing in the defeat to Bournemouth, an unfamiliar role for the midfielder. However, will Michael Carrick trust him to start at Stamford Bridge, particularly as he needs to make room for Bruno Fernandes in the starting XI?
Will he start?
There is at least a possibility that Mount could be involved from the start against Chelsea. Some predicted line-ups have included him in the attacking midfield, alongside Bruno Fernandes, with Bryan Mbeumo occupying the right flank. Matheus Cunha is expected to lead the line, while Youri Tielemans could partner Carlos Baleba in the deeper midfield roles.
Other predictions have Mount starting on the bench, giving Carrick another attacking option to call upon later in the game. One thing is certain: if he does get the nod, supporters will know about it when he starts warming up and gets stripped and ready to come on.
For Chelsea supporters, seeing Mount return to Stamford Bridge in a Manchester United shirt will inevitably bring back memories of his time in blue. However, the focus will be on how he performs against his former club, rather than the affection he once enjoyed from the home crowd. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, he will have an opportunity to make a statement against the team that helped shape his career.
Let’s hope that Mount and Manchester United have an uncomfortable afternoon where the storm keeps on getting worse.
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