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Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has already made his feelings clear on Mason Mount, despite Roy Keane ’s latest assessment of the midfielder in which he branded him a ‘schoolboy’.

The Red Devils have enjoyed something of an upturn in form this season after a dismal campaign last year. However, recent results have been inconsistent - a defeat to Everton last week, followed by a triumph over Crystal Palace at the weekend, and then a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to West Ham midweek.

Amorim’s side initially took the lead in the first half courtesy of a goal from Diogo Dalot. However, they were unable to see out the win and claim all three points as Soungoutou Magassa found the net for the visitors late on to level the scoreline.

Mount started the game on the bench, but came on to replace Joshua Zirkzee with a little over 10 minutes left to play. Soon after, the Hammers found their equaliser and United did not have it in them to claw back the lead in the closing stages.

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Keane, who made a little under 500 appearances for the Red Devils during his playing days, issued a scathing assessment of United’s performance post-match, in which he specifically took aim at Mount. Despite scoring the match winner against Palace at the weekend, the 26-year-old was branded a "schoolboy" by Keane on this occasion.

The Irishman told Sky Sports : "When you look at the squad, considering the money that has been spent, they lack strength in depth. Particularly in the attacking areas.

"When you are trying to see a game off, I look at Mason Mount when he came on, some players take longer to get up to speed but he was like a schoolboy out there. You’re looking for players to come on with presence. If anything they brought the levels down at United. That seemed to be the case tonight."

It is likely a sentiment Amorim would strongly disagree with, given he has always been quick to praise Mount - even going back to when he first took the reins in November last year. Right from the outset, during his first fortnight at the helm, Mount’s attitude and determination impressed Amorim.

"Mason Mount… I have to tell you I love that kid," the head coach told club media a little over 12 months ago. “You can look in his eyes that he wants this so bad. And this is the most important thing for me."

Even after injuries hindered Mount’s campaign, in which he missed over 20 games with a hamstring problem, Amorim could not wait to have the midfielder back available for selection again. "I really love Mason Mount,” the United boss told the media prior to the player's return back in March.

"I see him and know how he suffered. I know how he does everything right - he eats right, his physical aspect is perfect. He’s trying too much. Maybe he is thinking too much about everything.

"He was European champion, he is a talent. When a player does everything like he does, he will always have the support of everybody here at the club."

The praise did not stop there. Even as recently as the weekend, following United’s win over Palace, Mount showed his true colours as he consoled young defender Leny Yoro after a difficult game. The midfielder may have been the hero on that occasion, but his leadership was on full display at the full-time whistle, something that did not go unnoticed by Amorim.

"For me, as a manager, it’s really important," Amorim explained this week. "But I take it as normal. If you spend so many hours with one guy, if you have a common goal, if you suffer all together.

"I think we should support each other because, in the end, we have our friends, we have our club but, in the end, we are the guys who can change everything."

United return to action this weekend and will hope to get back to winning ways when they take on a struggling Wolves side at Molineux. Then, the run-up to Christmas will be in full swing with tricky tests against Bournemouth and Aston Villa.

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