Bruno Fernandes believes new signing Mason Mount has exactly what is needed to help take Man United back to the top.
Erik Ten Hag’s side made the former Chelsea star their first signing of this summer transfer window after agreeing a £60million fee for the 24-year-old on a five-year deal.
The transfer ended Mount’s long stint at the London-based club – having started out in the Chelsea youth system before working his way up to the first XI.
The midfielder now has five pre-season games under his belt and Fernandes – recently installed as the club’s new permanent captain – has been impressed by what he has seen, though he is not surprised.
The Portuguese international said: ‘We need that aggression and passion, we need players to be like that in games.
Bruno Fernandes (R) says Mason Mount (L) has the qualities that the Man United team needs
Mount has now featured in five pre-season games for United since his big money arrival
‘These are the kind of players that I like to play against and even more to have in my side. Now, I will do everything I can to defend him.’
But it was not just the player’s mentality that impressed his new captain, who was quick to hail the former Chelsea favourite’s versatility.
Mount has shown an impressive range to his game, fitting in across several positions in attacking midfield, as well as from a deeper midfield position at times.
Fernandes added: ‘I said a couple of years ago that he is one of the best players in the Premier League.
‘We’re really happy to have him here, wherever he plays, as a No 10, No 8 or a winger.
‘He’s really good at pressing, he has a lot of energy and he’s really good on the ball. He has goals and assists in him too. We’re expecting a lot from him but he’s aware of that.
‘He’s knows expectations will be big. He has a point to prove like everyone else.’
United will kick off their Premier League campaign against Wolves at Old Trafford on Monday, August 14.
The former Chelsea midfielder has shown himself capable of playing in various positions