If there is one Manchester United player who stood out massively in pre-season, it is Mason Mount.
Switched from attack to central midfield, the Englishman showed clear signs of revival.
Impressive at the centre of the park
Mount had been excellent in the centre of the park, and other than Andrey Santos, he was proving to be the player of the transfer window.
Sharp both on and off the ball, the ex-Chelsea man did not look lost in his new role. Indeed, he looked well at home and poised to deliver eye-catching performances throughout 2026–27.
Had he not picked up that injury against Paris Saint-Germain, there was certainly a big chance Michael Carrick would have favoured a Mount-Santos midfield pivot for the league opener.
However, the injury meant United’s number seven missed the clash with Hull City, and his absence was keenly felt.
Carrick instead paired Santos with Youri Tielemans, but the two did not click. Tielemans failed to give the Brazilian a platform to shine, doing little to help off the ball, which left United’s engine room exposed.
Mount injury boost
The Mount-Santos midfield pairing is certainly worth testing, and fortunately, reports suggest Mount could soon be back available for selection, giving Carrick the chance to try out that pivot.
As per Give Me Sport, “Mason Mount trained with his Manchester United teammates on Tuesday ahead of their upcoming Premier League game against Ipswich Town.”
Mount’s return is undoubtedly a big boost to Carrick’s tactical plans.
The 27-year-old can certainly be a game-changer, Carrick’s secret weapon for a United side who desperately need to turn things around.
Losing to Hull was never part of the script. United now need to turn things around instantly if they are to keep their hopes of glory alive.
That said, whether Mount is instantly reinstated to United’s engine room for Sunday’s game, or Carrick opts for Kobbie Mainoo to partner Santos, remains to be seen.
Featured image Steve Bardens via Getty Images
