Mason Mount impresses in Manchester United debut against Leeds
Mason Mount made his Manchester United debut during the team’s pre-season schedule, playing the first half of the match against Leeds in Oslo. The game marked the start of Erik ten Hag’s tenure as manager, and he fielded a combination of experienced players like Lisandro Martínez, Raphaël Varane, and Jadon Sancho, as well as promising youngsters like Kobbie Mainoo and Omari Forson.
Before kick-off, tributes were paid to the late Gordon McQueen, the former Scotland, Manchester United, and Leeds defender who passed away at the age of 70. Daniel Farke, the new Leeds manager, also took charge of the team for the first time as they prepare for life in the Championship.
Mount, who recently completed his £55m move from Chelsea, showed glimpses of his quality throughout the quiet first half. He created a major chance in the 10th minute, providing a pass for Amad Diallo to set up Hannibal Mejbri, who was denied by a smart save from Leeds goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson. Mount was involved again moments later, winning the ball back and attempting a delicate chip over Klaesson from 25 yards, which unfortunately landed on the roof of the net.
“I am sure he will contribute to the success of Manchester United because he is a quality player,” Ten Hag commented on Mount’s performance before the match. “In midfield, you have to attack but also defend. He will bring dynamism into our game. We need more dynamism in that midfield department.”
The breakthrough came in the 67th minute when 18-year-old Norwegian Isak Hansen-Aarøen played a pass to French forward Noam Emeran, who slid the ball past Dani van den Heuvel to score. Emeran then provided an assist for Joe Hugill, who sealed the win 10 minutes before the final whistle.
Manchester United’s pre-season campaign will continue with a match against Lyon in Edinburgh next Wednesday, followed by games in the US against Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund.
Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas become minority stakeholders in Leeds
Three-time major winner Jordan Spieth and fellow golfer Justin Thomas have confirmed their minority ownership stake in Leeds. The two friends joined 49ers Enterprises, an American investment group that also owns the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise and recently purchased a controlling stake in Leeds United. Fellow golfer Rickie Fowler was initially expected to join them but withdrew from the deal after Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League.
“Relegation wasn’t ideal, but then we got involved with the 49ers group who were purchasing a larger share in Leeds United,” Spieth explained. “We know they’ve been successful in other ventures, so we saw it as a great opportunity. Myself and Justin have a very minority stake within the bigger 49ers organization.”
“They renegotiated after the relegation, and we always wanted to be a part of it,” Spieth added. “It ended up being a better deal, as long as they can get promoted back to the Premier League soon.”
