Manchester United have endured a mixed start to the 2023/24 season.
The Red Devils recently bagged a few positive results in the Premier League but are still five points behind fourth spot.
They have been knocked out of the League Cup and are bottom of their Champions League group after four games.
United have not been helped by an unsettled midfield, with injuries and inconsistent performances impacting result.
Mason Mount is a prime example following his summer switch from Chelsea in a €60 million deal.
Mount got plenty of minutes in pre-season and the first few games of the season. However, he failed to impress.
Scott McTominay’s late heroics against Brentford forced Ten Hag to include the midfielder in the team.
The Scotland international is Man United’s top scorer in the English top flight with three goals.
However, statistics show McTominay has been ineffective in the other segments of the game.
He has got into key positions in the box but has not done much to improve the overall game of his side.
Mount has been heavily criticised for his end product. The England international is yet to tally any goals or assists in the Premier League or Champions League this term.
It is a dilemma for Ten Hag to choose between the two for the number eight role. Statistics may resolve this puzzle for the Dutchman.
Statistics suggest Mount must start ahead of McTominay
McTominay’s most valuable quality is his strength.
He has had a 47.9 percentile score in progressive carries. Mount is well behind with a score of 34.7 percentile.
In terms of passing, the numbers heavily favour the former Chelsea man. He has a forward pass percentage of 79.6, far superior to McTominay’s 37.1%.
Progressive passes are a crucial parameter for the brand of football Ten Hag wants to implement at the Theatre of Dreams.
Mount dominates with a score of 15.5 to McTominay’s 2.5.
It may seem like the McTomonay is more defensively sound when compared to Mount. However, the reality is slightly different.
Mount has an 82.7 percentile in defensive actions. McTominay has only 50.5 in the same category.
Numbers speak for themselves. We believe Mount must start ahead of McTominay in the next few games.
McTominay can be used from the bench if the Red Devils are chasing the game.
