Manchester United’s 2–1 win over Crystal Palace delivered its fair share of excitement—goals, contentious moments, and tactical alterations—but one storyline has completely overshadowed all others: the outstanding display from Mason Mount.
In a surprising twist that caught both home and away supporters off guard, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner revealed that he was so impressed with Mount’s performance that he personally requested the midfielder’s shirt after the match.
Such a gesture is rare in the Premier League, especially from a manager who has just suffered a narrow defeat.
Glasner’s comments quickly made waves across social media, fueling the rapidly growing conversation surrounding Mount’s transformation under Manchester United boss Rúben Amorim.
Many fans believed Mount had lost his spark after a difficult first season, but Amorim appears to have revived him and helped him rediscover his best form.
According to Glasner, Mount was the main reason Crystal Palace failed to control the rhythm of the game. Not Zirkzee, not Mbemuo, and not even young talent Yoro—Mount was, in the Palace manager’s words, “the driving force behind everything Manchester United created.”
GLASNER’S FULL STATEMENT
Speaking to the press after the match, Glasner didn’t hesitate to express his admiration. He explained that while his initial reaction during the game was irritation at Mount’s influence, that frustration gradually turned into genuine respect.
“I asked him for his shirt myself because of how completely he dominated us,” Glasner admitted. “Mount kept every one of my defenders alert from the first minute to the last.
His work rate, his intelligence on the ball, and the way he moved through the spaces made him extremely difficult to stop. If he keeps performing like this, I have no doubt Manchester United will soon climb above Chelsea.”
Glasner went on to say that every tactical plan Crystal Palace tried to implement to contain Mount ended in failure. Whether Mount drifted to the wings, dropped into midfield, or squeezed between centre-backs, he created constant problems for Palace’s defensive structure.
“We prepared for him,” Glasner continued. “We studied him thoroughly—video analysis, pattern recognition, everything. But on the day, he was simply superior. Sometimes you just have to acknowledge quality when you see it.”
His remarks stunned journalists—not because Mount had a strong match, but because a rival manager openly admitted being outclassed by a single player.
WHY MOUNT SHINED SO BRIGHTLY: A TACTICAL LOOK
Mount’s role under Rúben Amorim has changed drastically compared to his earlier period at United, when he struggled for consistency in a system with no clear identity. Against Crystal Palace, he demonstrated what a complete modern midfielder looks like.
1. Exceptional Off-the-Ball Movement
Palace defenders found Mount extremely difficult to track. His constant shifting from one zone to another dragged markers out of position and created openings for Fernandes and Zirkzee.
2. Ability to Resist Pressure
Mount handled pressure with incredible calmness. He escaped tight situations and linked play brilliantly with Casemiro and Mainoo, especially when Palace increased their press in the second half.
3. Creativity in Attack
He delivered several incisive passes that cut open the Palace defense, acting as the main catalyst for United’s most dangerous offensive sequences.
Mount’s performance was more than just impressive—it was a statement that he is returning to his peak form and becoming a key part of Manchester United’s evolving identity.
