Michael Carrick is still sweating on Mason Mount’s fitness as Manchester United prepare for the season opener against Hull City this weekend.
Midfield Minefield
Heading into the summer transfer window, the Red Devils’ priority was a major revamp in midfield, with the departure of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte’s serious knee injury leaving Kobbie Mainoo as the only fit midfielder in Carrick’s engine room.
£85 million has been spent to sign Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively. But the club remain on the hunt for a third option to bolster the squad ahead of a return to the Champions League next season.
However, Mount emerged as one of the early bright spots during pre-season when deployed in a deeper position by Carrick. Most often played as an attacking midfielder or on the wing throughout his career, the 27-year-old was outstanding in friendlies against Wrexham, Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid in a double pivot alongside Santos.
This has led to suggestions he could function as the ‘third’ member of Carrick’s new-look midfield, particularly as Shea Lacey also impressed in the No. 10 role in Bruno Fernandes’ absence.
Unfortunately, as has been a constant problem since arriving at Old Trafford from Chelsea for fifty-five million pounds in 2023, Mount was forced off the pitch against Paris Saint-Germain with an injury. It was initially said to be precautionary, but the Portsmouth native has not played since, missing both the Leeds United and AC Milan matches.
Still not in training
With the new season less than five days away from kicking off, this absence looks set to continue after the club released an official update from Carrington today, revealing Mount was still not in training.
“There was no Mason Mount, after he picked up a knock in the clash with Paris Saint-Germain,” the report stated, though Benjamin Sesko and Matthijs de Ligt were both noted to be present after their long-term absences.
“Benjamin Šeško was present, which is a welcome sight as he has not played since being injured in the home win over Liverpool on 3 May. The Slovenia striker enjoyed a promising first season with the Reds and will hopefully be available soon for selection.
“Matthijs de Ligt was also with the group as the Dutch defender continues his progress in recovering from a back problem.”
It looks unlikely Mount will make the matchday squad for the trip to Hull, let alone start alongside Santos as had been anticipated a few weeks ago. In his place, Tielemans is expected to make his competitive debut in a red shirt.
Final Thoughts
There can be little surprise Mount has suffered another injury setback as Manchester United prepare to start the new season. If anything, the only surprise should be INEOS’s decision to be seemingly reliant upon him as a key part of Carrick’s midfield – as his absence has proven.
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
