As Manchester United prepare to face Brighton in Matchweek 9 of the Premier League, former Arsenal star Paul Merson has delivered a surprising opinion. Despite Mason Mount’s excellent form and key role in United’s recent resurgence, Merson believes manager Ruben Amorim should drop the English midfielder to the bench — and instead start Benjamin Sesko, the young striker still searching for his breakthrough moment.
Merson’s surprising opinion shakes Old Trafford debate
Every time Paul Merson speaks about Manchester United, headlines follow. Known for his outspoken, sometimes unconventional takes, the Sky Sports pundit has once again stirred discussion among Red Devils supporters. This time, his target is none other than Mason Mount — a player many consider to be one of the driving forces behind United’s renewed energy under new head coach Ruben Amorim.
Merson argues that Amorim should consider leaving Mount out of the starting XI for United’s upcoming clash with Brighton & Hove Albion. His reasoning? Tactical flexibility and physical presence. In his view, Benjamin Sesko’s strength and movement could pose a bigger threat against a compact Brighton defense than Mount’s technical control in midfield.
“United just pulled off a massive win over Liverpool — their first victory at Anfield in nearly a decade,” Merson said during a Sky Sports segment this week. “They’re in good form, having won three of their last four matches, but the Brighton game is tricky. This team beat United at Old Trafford last season. If Amorim can get three points this weekend, that’ll be a big statement.”
According to Merson, Amorim’s system works best when there’s a balance between creativity and physical power up front — and that’s where Sesko should come in. “Mount is a brilliant player, no question, and Amorim clearly trusts him. But against Brighton, I’d go for Sesko. This is the type of game that needs a proper number nine — someone tall, strong, and clinical,” Merson explained.
Brighton – a tactical test for Amorim’s philosophy
Under Ruben Amorim, Manchester United have gradually shifted toward a more modern, aggressive style of play — one rooted in pressing, compact defending, and vertical transitions. The approach mirrors Amorim’s success at Sporting Lisbon, but adapting it to the Premier League’s tempo has not been easy.
Brighton, meanwhile, remain one of the most tactically unpredictable teams in England. Though manager Roberto De Zerbi departed last summer, his influence on the squad’s structure remains strong. Brighton are known for their fluid build-up play, composure under pressure, and ability to switch from defense to attack in seconds.
For Amorim, this match is more than just about three points. It’s a test of his adaptability — and whether United can impose their style against a side that often exposes opponents’ weaknesses in transition. In that sense, Merson’s argument carries a tactical logic: United may need a target man like Sesko to stretch Brighton’s defense and open spaces for runners such as Mount or Bryan Mbeumo.
However, the irony is that Mount himself has become the player who best embodies Amorim’s pressing philosophy. His relentless energy, work rate, and ability to connect midfield with attack have been essential in recent matches. Dropping him now could disrupt the chemistry United have just begun to rediscover.
Mason Mount’s comeback: from injury struggles to midfield engine
When Mason Mount arrived at Old Trafford from Chelsea in 2023, expectations were sky-high. The £55 million signing was supposed to bring creativity and dynamism to a midfield that had grown static under Erik ten Hag. Instead, injuries and inconsistent form derailed his first two seasons, leading many to label him a “flop.”
Then came Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager’s appointment last summer marked a turning point not only for the club’s identity but also for Mount’s career. Amorim’s system relies heavily on pressing triggers, intelligent movement, and players who can read space — qualities that perfectly suit Mount’s game.
In the past few weeks, Mount has looked reborn. His performances against Tottenham, Aston Villa, and most notably Liverpool, have reminded fans of the player who once starred at Stamford Bridge. Against Liverpool, Mount not only scored but also orchestrated the team’s pressing, constantly harassing defenders and initiating quick counterattacks.
Phil Jones, former United defender, praised Mount’s impact:
“As a coach, you always want a player like him. He’s not just about goals or assists — he’s the kind of guy who runs 40 meters to press, tracks back to defend, and lifts the entire team with his energy. Mount leads by example, not by words.”
Mount’s return to form has coincided with United’s resurgence in the Premier League. The Red Devils have climbed back into the top four race, and Amorim’s system finally appears to be taking shape. In that context, Merson’s suggestion to bench Mount feels almost counterintuitive — perhaps even provocative.
Benjamin Sesko: the underused weapon waiting for a breakthrough
That said, there’s also logic behind Merson’s argument. United invested heavily — £74 million — to bring in Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. The Slovenian striker, just 22 years old, has all the tools to succeed in England: height, speed, technical ability, and a knack for finding space behind defenders.
But his adaptation has been slow. In eight Premier League appearances so far, Sesko has managed only one goal and one assist. Amorim has often preferred a more fluid front three of Mount, Mbeumo, and Cunha, emphasizing mobility and pressing over aerial presence.
Merson believes the Brighton match could be the ideal opportunity to reintroduce Sesko into the lineup. “Brighton sit deep and absorb pressure. You need someone who can physically challenge their center-backs. Sesko gives you that option. It’s not about dropping Mount forever — it’s just about picking the right tool for the job,” he explained.
Still, Amorim’s recent tactical success has come precisely from his midfield trio’s chemistry. Disrupting that balance, even temporarily, carries risk.
Fans divided over Merson’s bold take
Unsurprisingly, Merson’s comments have split Manchester United fans. Some agree that the team lacks a traditional striker to convert chances, while others argue that Mount’s work rate and tactical intelligence make him indispensable.
On social media, one fan wrote:
“Mount’s pressing is what makes our system work. Without him, the midfield collapses.”
Another responded:
“I like Mount, but we do need someone like Sesko to bully defenders. Amorim should find a way to play both.”
This divide reflects a broader discussion about Amorim’s philosophy. Should United continue with their high-tempo, flexible approach — or evolve into a more balanced side that combines technical quality with physical power?
A test of Amorim’s man-management
Since arriving at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim has emphasized meritocracy and tactical discipline. Players earn their spots through training intensity and adherence to the system, not reputation. This principle helped revive careers — Mount’s being the prime example.
If Amorim decides to rest Mount, it won’t necessarily be a punishment but a strategic rotation. Yet it will test his man-management skills. After finally regaining confidence, Mount needs continuity to maintain rhythm. Benching him now could risk halting that progress.
Moreover, Amorim’s post-match comments after the Liverpool victory hinted at how much he values Mount’s leadership. “Mason is the heartbeat of our pressing game,” he said. “He sets the tempo, he connects everyone. When he plays, we’re more synchronized.”
Those words suggest that Amorim sees Mount as more than just a player — he’s a symbol of the team’s collective identity.
Prediction and outlook
Paul Merson has predicted a 1–1 draw between Manchester United and Brighton, warning that the Seagulls have a knack for frustrating big teams. “It’s going to be tight,” he said. “Brighton play brave football, and United will have to match their intensity. Amorim’s got a tough decision — whether to stick with Mount or shake things up with Sesko.”
Regardless of the lineup, this match could shape United’s trajectory for the rest of the season. A win would not only consolidate their place near the top of the table but also reinforce Amorim’s authority as a tactician capable of navigating tough decisions.
For Mason Mount, however, the situation is clear: he has fought too hard to earn his place back, and his performances speak for themselves. Whether he starts or not, his resurgence has already become one of the most encouraging stories of United’s season — proof that resilience and belief can turn doubt into redemption.