BRUNO FERNANDES called out EIGHT Manchester United players who have a “point to prove”.
And that included the new club captain pointing the finger at himself.
GettyBruno Fernandes has taken on the role as Manchester United captain[/caption]
The Portuguese playmaker inherited the armband from Harry Maguire this summer and knows the pressure is on to deliver for the Red Devils.
The club had a mixed 2022-23 season with the Carabao Cup win, FA Cup final, third-placed finish but a disappointing European exit and that embarrassing 7-0 thumping at Anfield – in which Fernandes was particularly criticised.
Erik ten Hag signed Mason Mount to bolster the midfield while Andre Onana appears a wise signing to succeed David De Gea between the sticks.
Asked if there is an expectation for Mount to stand up and deliver following his £60million switch to Old Trafford, Fernandes said: “He has a point to prove, like everyone else.
“I have a point to prove. So does Licha [Martinez], Casemiro, Rapha [Varane], Andre [Onana], Harry [Maguire], Victor [Lindelof].
“It’s not about Mason. He doesn’t have to prove anything more than anyone else.
“He’s at a big club and he knows the expectations on him will be big.”
Mount arrived at United following a difficult final season at boyhood club Chelsea.
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He managed just three goals and two assists as the Blues finished way down in 12th.
But the England international will hope to form a successful midfield trio with Fernandes and Casemiro.
Mount appeared in the friendly wins against Leeds, Lyon and Arsenal as well as the defeat to Real Madrid.
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And he looks set to be a key cog in the United starting XI as they start their Premier League campaign against Wolves on August 14.
Fernandes added on Mount: “We need that aggression and passion, we need players to be like that in games.
“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.”
GettyHarry Maguire and Mason Mount know this is a big season with the Euros next summer[/caption]