Mount has big climb to reach top

YOU can gauge the character of a Manchester United player by how Bruno Fernandes treats them.

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

Plenty have copped an earful and when Jadon Sancho did against Aston Villa last season he bit back. "Bruno, stop moaning." 

However often a United teammate gave Sancho a rocket, it could not propel him to another level.

Mason Mount had been on the pitch for less than two minutes against Fulham in November and his first attempted pass failed to find either Fernandes or Alejandro Garnacho.

It warranted a rebuke and Garnacho smacked his thighs in frustration.

Fernandes, though, applauded Mount's intent and offered a thumbs up.

Mount was paraded by United six months ago but has been media-shy, despite employing an experienced publicist.

United contacted the Manchester Evening News on Mount's behalf after a video surfaced of him refusing to sign merchandise while being pursued by professional autograph hunters. That was on July 14 - nine days after Mount joined United.

Mount requested not to engage in any media commitments on the pre-season tour as he was sensitive about the reaction from Chelsea fans.

Nemanja Matic transferred from Chelsea to United in 2017 and stopped in the mixed zone after his first match in Dublin.

This is not the picture of Mount painted by a colleague who has dealt with him during England squad get-togethers.

Mount was described as chatty at St George's Park but United have form for making loquacious footballers mute.

None of us have got a handle on what makes Mount tick or how he is feeling after a galling start to his United career.

But he needs an arm around the shoulder.