ANALYSIS: Can Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes play in the same team?

Mason Mount is now a Manchester United player.

United looked far off from challenging for the league last season, and the No. 8 role was a key area where an upgrade was needed.

The likes of Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Fred have all filled that role in the past. But with Champions League football also returning next season, it is only natural for United to bolster that area.

How does Mount fit in at United?

Over the years, Mount has been deployed as an 8, 10 and on the wing.

Christian Eriksen is the most likely one to be replaced in the starting XI by Mount. The Dane is pushing 32 and looked very leggy in the final few games of a season in which he played over 40 games.

Furthermore, the England international can be a backup to Bruno for the more advanced midfield role, and can also offer cover on the wings. His versatility and excellent work ethic will give Ten Hag plenty of flexibility in how to use him within his systems.

But the big question is if he can help solve the key midfield issues at the club.

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Can Mount be effective for United as an 8?

Although Mount can play the role, he is not a natural pivot player. His 31.95 passes, 75.2% pass completion rate, three passes into the final third, 5.35 progressive passes, and 1.8 tackles P90 are great numbers for a winger or attacking midfielder, but are some way short compared to the best central midfielders in Europe.

That is not necessarily an issue yet as Eriksen also started as a 10, but was able to successfully transition to a deeper CM role. If Mount can do the same, he would be an upgrade on the Dane, with better pressing and dynamism.

Mount is also very press resistant and has a decent passing range, especially when it comes to switching play. But to be successful in this role he needs to take more responsibility to influence games.

His comfort playing out wide can allow Antony or Rashford to cut inside on their stronger foot, giving Mount the option to overlap on the wing. This movement can provide the team with new patterns of play and also allow Bruno to be deployed closer to goal and be less bogged down by defensive work.

United fans would love to see Mount play alongside Bruno. The main question is if Mount can be disciplined and control the tempo in midfield. This will be crucial when playing alongside Bruno and Casemiro. If he can’t, then United will have a degree of vulnerability and will struggle to control games.

Playing as an advanced 8 alongside Bruno

United are possibly also looking at bringing in a deeper midfielder who would then play alongside Casemiro. This will enable Mount to play with Bruno as the 2 attacking midfielders in a 3-2-2-3 system.

A box midfield of Casemiro, Bruno, Mount and a potential new midfielder like Rice or Caicedo would offer control, progression, and ball-winning - giving United a midfield as formidable as any in the league.

Even if the club fails to bring in another midfielder, Ten Hag can have either full-back invert and sit alongside Casemiro allowing the team to maintain that shape.

Versatility cannot be the only reason for United to sign Mount. But with a solid technical foundation and time on his side, he has all ingredients to be a success in a deeper role.