'Convinced' - Erik ten Hag makes bold Mason Mount prediction as ex-Chelsea man closes in on Man Utd injury return

Mount has remained out of action with a calf injury since November with his last appearance in a United shirt coming against Luton Town. Earlier this week, the midfielder returned to full training and is now all set to be named in the club's matchday squad for the Liverpool clash in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday.

Ahead of the game, manager Ten Hag put his faith in the English midfielder as he claimed that the former Chelsea star will prove his worth at Old Trafford once he completely recovers from his injuries.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the FA Cup game, Ten Hag said, "I am convinced he will be [a key player]. He didn't have the chance to prove this point, but he will be a very good player for Manchester United. It is really unfortunate, really disappointing for him, but also for us when you have such a class player in your middle and you cannot play him.

"He has had three injuries, as we all know, so he didn't, at any time, get into a rhythm. But I am sure when he is fit, he will play, he will get into that rhythm and he will contribute to a successful Manchester United."

The 25-year-old has failed to make an impact since joining the Red Devils from the Blues ahead of the 2023/24 season. Plagued by multiple injuries, he remained on the sidelines for the majority of the current campaign. He has appeared in 12 matches across all competitions and has clocked just 626 minutes on the pitch.

It is unlikely that the Dutch manager would hand Mount a start right after coming back from a lengthy injury layoff but he could get some minutes on the pitch as a substitute.