Erik ten Hag insists injury blighted Mason Mount can be a key player for Man United in their bid to claim silverware this season… with the former Chelsea midfielder pushing for a return in their clash vs Liverpool

ERIK ten Hag has backed ‘class’ Mason Mount to be a key player for Manchester United in their bid to finish the season with silverware.

Mount, who joined United ahead of Liverpool last summer for £60million, is pushing to be involved in Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final between the two sides at Old Trafford.

The England midfielder has been blighted by injury since arriving at Old Trafford, with his latest calf problem sidelining him for four months.

But speaking ahead of the bitter clash against Liverpool, Ten Hag has not lost any belief in his marquee midfield signing to be hugely influential in the run-in.

‘I’m convinced he will be [a key player],’ Ten Hag said.

Erik ten Hag backed the injury stricken midfielder to be a key part of the Red Devils bid for silverware this season

‘He didn’t have the chance to prove this point. But he will be a very good player for Manchester United.

‘It’s been really unfortunate and disappointing for him but also for us when you have such a class player in the middle and you can’t play him. He has had injuries as we all know.

‘He didn’t have any time to come into a rhythm but I am sure that when he is fit and he will play and get into that rhythm he will contribute to a successful Manchester United I’m sure.’

Mount has enjoyed a full week’s worth of training and went into Saturday’s final session pushing to make the matchday squad for Sunday.

He has made just 12 appearances so far this season.

Ten Hag was asked if Sunday is a season-saving game for United, who are on the outside looking in in trying to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

The Englishman has enjoyed a full week of training with the first team, having not played since November

There is a strong chance he could be included in the side to play against Liverpool in the FA Cup

‘We have to save the season!’ The Dutchman said.

‘We know we have to catch up in the Premier League but now we have an opportunity to win silverware. 

‘The only opportunity is the FA Cup so we are only three wins away.

‘Big games [ahead] and we have to play our best. Sunday is a test for us but we like the tests, we like the challenges and we can be, to a certain range, be relaxed because we believe in ourselves. On Sunday we have to prove [that].’