Ruben Amorim had hoped to restore Mason Mount to the England national team, but his efforts proved futile as the midfielder was omitted from the World Cup squad. The former Manchester United head coach saw Mount as a key player during his tenure at Old Trafford, but after Amorim's dismissal, Mount struggled to maintain his form.
Mount's Decline Under Carrick
Manchester United secured Champions League qualification under interim boss Michael Carrick, who was subsequently rewarded with a new two-year contract. However, Mount featured sparingly under Carrick, managing only six appearances totaling 126 minutes, with his sole full match coming in a goalless draw against Sunderland.
World Cup Snub
On Friday, England head coach Thomas Tuchel announced his 26-man squad for the tournament in North America, with Mount notably absent. The 27-year-old last represented England four years ago at the previous World Cup. Reports from The Sun indicated that Amorim had planned to maximize Mount's potential to secure a place in the squad, describing him as a 'super talent' and one of the most underrated English players.
Amorim praised Mount after a 4-1 victory over Wolves in December, highlighting his pace and quality. However, a knock in February sidelined Mount for six matches, and his minutes were subsequently managed cautiously. Carrick noted the importance of building Mount's fitness, stating, 'It’s great to have Mason back... he’s had nearly two or three weeks of building up and finding his rhythm.'
Mount's versatility under Amorim was evident, but Carrick's system does not utilize two number 10s, limiting Mount's opportunities. As a result, the midfielder faces an uphill battle to reclaim his place in the England setup.
