Rio Ferdinand is confident that one of Erik ten Hag’s big-money signings will revive his Manchester United fortunes this season under Ruben Amorim.
It has been another summer of rebuilding for the Red Devils after a dismal Premier League campaign which saw them finish a lowly 15th.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have arrived through the door to try and provide an attacking spark, while United are also hopeful of beating Newcastle United to the signing of Benjamin Sesko.
But new signings alone will not be enough to inspire a turnaround at Old Trafford, and Amorim will have to get a better tune out of several players already at the club.
And Ferdinand is hopeful that Mason Mount can step up and take on that responsibility after his latest impressive display in United’s pre-season draw with Everton on Sunday.
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Mount started just 13 league games across his first two seasons at United in large part due to his consistent struggles with injury.
But now, with a proper pre-season behind him, Ferdinand believes Mount could prove as good as a new signing for Amorim if he is able to put his injury woes behind him.
‘I saw him out in Chicago and one of the things I said to him was, ‘How are you feeling?’ Ferdinand told talkSPORT.
‘Because he’s been robbed of any minutes really for injury. It’s been really really disappointing to see.
‘Being injured and in the shadows, I never had that at a new club. That is so depressing. It can take your soul away at times.
‘I’m sure he’s been in some dark moments. He will be like a new signing. I think this is no surprise.
‘Whenever he’s been fit in his career he’s played, at Chelsea especially. Managers have played him when they won the Champions League.
‘He was one of the most important players. He has the quality. He has the work ethic. He has the legs.
‘He has the ability to be a really really good top player. I just hope he gets the time to play minutes to show himself.’
Amorim was also keen to sing Mount’s praises after his display against Everton, and is confident that the midfielder will hit the ground running in the new season.
‘Yeah [Mount will carry this form],’ Amorim said.
‘Because he does everything 100%, every training, every game, he’s always the same player.
‘That is the only thing for you to maintain the consistency. He works a lot.’
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