Mason Mount's Father Hits Back at Owen Over Rustiness Jab

Mason Mount's father has launched a stinging rebuke at Michael Owen following the pundit's assessment of the midfielder's display during Manchester United's 0-0 stalemate at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Owen had been forthright in his analysis of Mount's contribution, suggesting the former Chelsea man lacked the required sharpness and influence in the centre of the park. The 27-year-old, deployed at the base of midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo, was making his eleventh start of a season hampered by injury troubles—and his first outing of 2026 after United's three-game winning run stuttered against Sunderland.

Playing slightly deeper than his natural position, Mount appeared understandably short of match fitness. Owen's commentary didn't pull punches, however. "Mason Mount is working hard, but right now he's not performing anywhere near the level Manchester United expected when they signed him," the former Liverpool striker observed. "He looks a little slow in possession, a bit laggy in transitions, and he's not really influencing the game enough in midfield. You can clearly see United are missing players like Casemiro in the middle of the park because there's no real control or authority there."

Owen went further, calling for greater intensity and personality from the midfielder during such demanding fixtures.

Tony Mount, the player's father, took to Instagram to deliver a withering response. "Maybe not starting a game for five months has something to do with looking rusty Owen you fool," he wrote, cutting straight through the criticism with a pointed reminder of his son's extended absence from competitive football.

Despite the scrutiny, Mount himself remains bullish about his prospects at Old Trafford. Speaking to the BBC, the midfielder refused to be discouraged by his stuttering campaign, which has yielded just 70 appearances across three seasons in red.

"I will always back myself. I know what I'm about and what I can bring. I love being a part of a massive club. It's my third season and it's flown," Mount said. "I'm a bit older now and I've got a bit more experience. There are going to be a lot more games next season. Being a part of getting this club back to the top, where it deserves to be, is super special."

He added that his FA Cup winner's medal remains a cherished memory, with Premier League glory representing an even greater target. "I've had a little taste of winning something with the club, in the FA Cup. That was unbelievable. To do a Premier League? I can't even imagine how special that would be."