In the early hours of this morning, Manchester United hosted Wolves at Old Trafford in a high-stakes Premier League Round 33 clash.
However, the Red Devils suffered a shocking 0-1 home defeat, plunging themselves once again into the eye of a media storm.
The center of the controversy? None other than midfielder Mason Mount!
Mount Comes On, Misses Sitter, and Becomes the Scapegoat
In the 59th minute, head coach Rúben Amorim attempted to shift the momentum by substituting in Mason Mount for the promising Kobbie Mainoo, aiming to bolster midfield control and attacking transitions.
But the change failed to produce the desired effect—in fact, it arguably marked the turning point of the game.
In the 72nd minute, Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho delivered a piercing through-ball into the box.
With no defenders around him and only the goalkeeper to beat, Mount inexplicably skied the shot, squandering what was clearly United’s best scoring opportunity of the night.
Six minutes later, Wolves capitalized on a well-taken free-kick to break the deadlock, sealing the upset win. United left with no points—and Mount left as the lightning rod for fan frustration.
Big Price, Small Return: Mount Faces “Value Crisis”
Mount’s trajectory at Manchester United has become increasingly difficult to defend. Signed last summer for a hefty £55 million fee from Chelsea, expectations were high for the 25-year-old to inject creativity and dynamism into United’s midfield.
Reality, however, has been far more sobering.
So far this season, Mount has made 38 appearances in all competitions but has only managed to score once and provide two assists.
Even more troubling has been his struggle to stay fit—frequent injuries have kept him sidelined and prevented any semblance of form or rhythm from developing.
According to The Daily Mail, concerns are mounting internally at United. Club executives reportedly doubt whether Mount can handle the physical and tactical demands of a full season.
Given his £250,000-a-week wages and patchy injury record, moving him on in the summer could prove nearly impossible.
Champions League Hopes Fade Further
This latest defeat marks United’s 15th league loss of the season—an unacceptable tally for a club with top-four ambitions. They have now dropped out of the Premier League’s top six, and their hopes of securing Champions League football next season are hanging by a thread.
The club’s only realistic route back to Europe’s elite may now be through winning the Europa League.
But with key players like Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes struggling for form, and the defense in disarray, even that path appears treacherous.
Mount at a Crossroads — and So is United
For Mount, this match may represent the lowest point of his short United career. It could also prove to be a defining one.
Whether Amorim—who is reportedly expected to take over the managerial reins this summer—will continue to place faith in the England international remains uncertain.
Some analysts have pointed out that United may have overlooked warning signs during Mount’s final season at Chelsea, including his declining form and lack of tactical fit for United’s setup. The signing is now beginning to resemble a classic “high-cost, low-return” mistake.
No Way Back? Only Mount Can Turn It Around
With the season now entering its final stretch, United’s margin for error is gone. If the team is to salvage anything from this campaign, every player must perform—and Mount, in particular, has no time left to waste.
What he needs now isn’t just patience—it’s a complete reset. A moment of clarity, of drive, and of determination to prove his worth on the pitch, not just in reputation.
Because if things don’t change fast, the once-beloved “Chelsea Prince” risks becoming nothing more than a regrettable chapter in Manchester United’s long and storied transfer history.
