Roy Keane: Mason Mount Seperti Bocah SSB

The Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham at Old Trafford on Friday, December 5, 2025, a result that further compounds their struggles in the Premier League. Diogo Dalot’s early goal had given Manchester United the lead, but Soungoutou Magassa’s late equalizer in the 83rd minute ensured that the points were shared.

Mount, who joined Manchester United from Chelsea in the summer transfer window for a reported fee of £55 million, came on as a substitute in the 78th minute, replacing Joshua Zirkzee. However, his cameo appearance failed to inject any impetus into United’s attack.

In his limited time on the pitch, Mount touched the ball just nine times and failed to register a single shot on goal. His inability to influence the game drew the ire of Keane, who was working as a pundit for Sky Sports during the match.

"When you look at the squad, considering the money that has been spent, they are short on strength in depth, particularly in the forward areas," Keane said, reflecting on Manchester United’s overall performance. "When you are trying to see out a game, I look at Mason Mount coming on, and some players take a little bit longer to adapt to a club. But he looks like a schoolboy out there."

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Keane’s assessment was particularly harsh, highlighting what he perceived as a lack of physicality and urgency in Mount’s play. "You are looking for players who are going to give you that bit of steel, that bit of fight. Instead, they are actually bringing the level down. That seems to be happening tonight," he added.

The draw against West Ham leaves Manchester United in eighth place in the Premier League table, with 22 points from 14 games. Their inconsistent form has raised concerns about their ability to secure a Champions League spot for next season.

Mount’s struggles since joining Manchester United have been well-documented. The 26-year-old midfielder, who was a key player for Chelsea and England in recent years, has failed to replicate his best form at Old Trafford. He has made 12 appearances in all competitions for United this season, but has yet to score a goal or provide an assist.

His arrival at Old Trafford was met with considerable fanfare, given his reputation as a dynamic and versatile midfielder capable of contributing both defensively and offensively. During his time at Chelsea, Mount won the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. He was also named Chelsea’s Player of the Year in both 2021 and 2022.

However, Mount has struggled to adapt to Manchester United’s style of play and has often looked isolated and ineffective in midfield. He has also been hampered by injuries, which have disrupted his rhythm and prevented him from building momentum.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has repeatedly defended Mount, insisting that the player needs time to settle in and that he has the qualities to be a success at the club. "Mason is a fantastic player, and he will be a great asset for Manchester United," Ten Hag said recently. "He is a very intelligent player, he works hard, and he has a great attitude. He just needs time to adapt to our system and to his new teammates."

However, patience may be wearing thin among some Manchester United fans, who have been unimpressed with Mount’s performances so far. They are demanding more from a player who was signed for a significant transfer fee and who is expected to be a key figure in the team.

The pressure on Mount to perform is likely to increase in the coming weeks, as Manchester United face a crucial run of fixtures. They have a number of important Premier League games coming up, as well as a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Newcastle United and a Champions League group stage match against Bayern Munich.

Ten Hag will be hoping that Mount can find his form quickly and start to contribute more to the team. If he can do so, it would provide a much-needed boost to Manchester United’s chances of achieving their goals this season. However, if Mount continues to struggle, questions will inevitably be asked about his future at the club.

The criticism from Keane is particularly stinging, given his status as a Manchester United legend and his reputation for being a forthright and uncompromising pundit. Keane’s comments are likely to add to the pressure on Mount and will only intensify the scrutiny on his performances in the coming weeks.

The former United captain’s assessment also raises broader questions about Manchester United’s recruitment policy and their ability to identify and sign players who can make a significant impact on the team. The club has spent heavily in recent years, but their transfer business has often been criticized for being inconsistent and lacking a clear strategy.

The signing of Mount is a case in point. While he is undoubtedly a talented player, there are questions about whether he is the right fit for Manchester United and whether he can provide the qualities that the team needs in midfield.

Manchester United’s struggles this season have highlighted the need for a more coherent and effective recruitment policy. The club needs to identify players who can not only add quality to the squad but also fit into Ten Hag’s system and contribute to a winning culture.

The pressure is on Ten Hag to turn things around at Manchester United. He has the backing of the club’s owners, but he needs to start delivering results quickly. The upcoming run of fixtures will be crucial in determining whether he can turn things around and lead Manchester United back to the top of English football.

Mount’s situation also mirrors the broader narrative of underperforming high-profile signings at Manchester United in recent years. Players like Paul Pogba, Alexis Sanchez, and Romelu Lukaku arrived with significant reputations and hefty price tags but ultimately failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford.

This pattern of underachievement has fueled criticism of the club’s scouting network, player development strategies, and the overall environment at Manchester United, which some observers believe is not conducive to maximizing the potential of its players.

Furthermore, Keane’s comparison of Mount to a "schoolboy" touches on a deeper issue of mental fortitude and resilience. The pressure of playing for a club like Manchester United, with its rich history and demanding fanbase, can be immense. Players need to possess not only technical skill but also the mental strength to cope with the scrutiny and expectations.

The upcoming weeks will be a test of Mount’s character as he seeks to silence his critics and prove his worth to Manchester United. He will need to demonstrate the qualities that made him a sought-after player in the first place: his work rate, his creativity, and his ability to contribute in both attack and defense.

Ultimately, Mount’s success at Manchester United will depend on a combination of factors, including his own determination, the support of his manager and teammates, and the overall environment at the club. Whether he can overcome the challenges he faces and fulfill his potential remains to be seen.

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Ahmad Zein Salamo: Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.

His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.