Mason Mount releases Man United statement after Erik ten Hag demand

Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount says there are plenty of positives despite suffering penalty shootout heartache against Manchester City.

The former Chelsea man believes Erik ten Hag's will be ready for the Premier League opener against Fulham with the top-flight campaign getting underway on Friday. They failed to inflict further misery on their neighbours on Saturday, following the FA Cup final triumph in May, after losing 7-6 on penalties following a 1- 1 draw after normal time.

Mount started for United as the Dutchman deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation with captain Bruno Fernandes leading the line. However, the 36-time England international was sacrificed after 58 minutes and replaced by Scott McTominay.

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"Not the result we hoped for yesterday, but plenty of positives to build on," the 25-year-old wrote on Instagram. "We’ll be ready for Friday!"

Mount's debut season at Old Trafford was hampered by injury, following an initial £55million move from Stamford Bridge. He was reduced to just 14 Premier League appearances, 20 across all competitions, after a calf injury reduced his playing time under Ten Hag.

Speaking ahead of the Community Shield, the former Ajax manager spoke highly of Mount. He said: "We know he’s a high-class player and just bringing his skills in.

"Last season, he had a very bad season, a very tough season for him because of all his injuries, so now we are very pleased he had a very good pre-season.

"I’m sure he will now, from this point on, be contributing to the team if he stays fit. That counts for every