Mason Mount: Overcoming Adversity, Regaining Form, and World Cup Ambitions

Mason Mount has spent the season reminding everyone of his capabilities. The Manchester United midfielder has faced numerous setbacks in recent years, including injuries, tough results, and being let go by Chelsea, a club he was with for 18 years. However, the 26-year-old's determination to keep fighting is starting to pay off. Mount has started the last three matches and is hoping to make it four when Newcastle visits on Boxing Day. To overcome such hurdles is not easy, but Mount attributes his resilience to his early years of pursuing his dream to become a professional footballer. "It's always about making it into the first team," Mount told Sky Sports. "As a kid, I didn't have many downs, but as I got older, I understood there would be ups and downs. The downs I experienced were losing big games or finals, and that's something you have to learn to overcome." Mount is over a year removed from one of his lowest moments in a United shirt, when he was taken off after just 12 minutes in a Manchester derby against City due to an injury. "It was very tough because the manager had just come in, and I was getting into the team," he recounts. "When I felt it, I was like 'this is not going to be good.' It takes a couple of days to get your head around it, but then it's 'I'm back on it now, focus. What can I do to get back as quick as possible and in the best shape I can be?'" His hard work has paid off, with Gary Neville saying that the Red Devils are a better team with Mount in it. "There's a lot that people don't see, but within the group, I think bringing that energy for myself and for the boys onto the pitch is super important," Mount said. "Seeing me start a press or pressing the goalkeeper when it's not on, but then it also sets a trigger for the rest of the lads to go." Mount has been used in a higher position and can go forward, get into the box, and help in midfield when not in possession. "I think I'm getting close to really getting back to my best. With all my experience, I think my best level can be higher than before," he said. Should Mount reach his peak, some may start thinking about his World Cup prospects. England boss Thomas Tuchel knows Mount well, and if Mount continues to perform, the stars could align. However, Mount isn't getting carried away just yet. "It starts with the club. If you're performing at the club, then you have an opportunity to get in the squad," he said. "First and foremost, if we're doing well, if we're winning games, if we're pushing up the league, then there's always going to be that opportunity there. I know Thomas, and I'll be doing everything I can to get in that squad."