22 November 2023 , 12:05
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Dimitar Berbatov says Mason Mount needs to "give more and produce more" for Manchester United, following his big money move from Chelsea over the summer.
United forked out £55million to sign the midfielder, but he has failed to make his mark at Old Trafford so far. In 12 appearances across all competitions, Mount has failed to score a single goal and only provided one assist in a Carabao Cup tie against Crystal Palace.
Injury problems have had an impact, but Berbatov is concerned about Mount's performances and believes he 'doesn't know how to fit into Erik Ten Hag's system'. "Let's talk about Mason Mount. We all know he needs to step up because he hasn't played well since joining United," Berbatov told Betfair.
"So, he's the player I want to see give more and produce more, because in some of the games, it looks like he doesn't know how to fit into that system. He looks a bit lost from time to time, but we all know the quality he possesses.
"He was bought for big money which brings big expectations, but not only that, his stress levels will be high. At this moment, he knows he needs to produce, he knows he needs to step up and show the quality that we all know he has.
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"It's not working out, so now is the opportunity to stay concentrated and just be in the game and start to show the quality you showed at Chelsea. United need that quality to help the team."
Ten Hag is also dealing with an injury crisis, with up to 10 players potentially set to miss the trip to Everton. Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw and Amad have all been ruled out with injuries, while Rasmus Hojlund, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jonny Evans and Andre Onana are doubts.
And while Berbatov is concerned about the impact the injuries could have, he is hopeful United's fringe players will be able to "step up" and make an impact. He added: "Oh my God, it's a long list, with players who normally play.
Mason Mount is yet to find his best form at Manchester United (Manchester United via Getty Images)"We don't know how long some of them will be injured for either, and that can put more stress on the situation. United have shown signs of improvement in recent games, and in other games they have shown signs where things need to be fixed if they are to have a successful season.
"But that successful season can be difficult to achieve with this long injury list. Let's hope nobody else is added to the injury list. I'm worried. Onana, Martinez, Evans, Eriksen, Casemiro, Hojlund - these are key players Man United are missing, so of course, the team will be a bit worried.
"The players will talk to each other, the injured players will be trying their best to be back as soon as possible. But, on the other hand, it gives opportunities to other players who are not playing regularly, to show what they can do. This is the moment they can step up.
"Sometimes in football you deserve to play but you don't based on tactical reasons or whatever, so now is your chance to step up and show what you can do. Sometimes, a few injuries can be a good thing for other players to step up and say, 'gaffer, look at me, I'm here, I'll do what the other players can do'."