What happened?

Mason Mount has been the standout performer for Manchester United in pre-season, but his patchy injury record remains a concern.

Why it matters for Manchester United

Mount's form has led to discussions over whether to sign a third midfielder and what kind of player to go for.

What comes next?

United's moves in the remainder of this window will be fascinating, and Mount will get his share of games, but if a big-money deal does materialise, it could impact his playing time.

Mason Mount has been the standout performer for Manchester United in pre-season, but his patchy injury record remains a concern. Mount insisted towards the end of last season that he was confident he was now over his injury issues since joining United and he ended last season strongly and has maintained that run into the summer. But once a player has shown a susceptibility to picking up problems, then the doubts will almost always remain. So far this summer, Mount has been the standout performer for United against Wrexham, Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid, but the question that keeps coming back is always: what happens if he's not available?

Mount and £50million new boy Andrey Santos have started every friendly together so far and have an excellent chance of starting together against Hull City on the opening day of the Premier League season. Youri Tielemans could make his first United appearance against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, and Kobbie Mainoo is set to return to pre-season training next week, but they are both playing catch-up on Mount and Santos. That quartet offer plenty of cover for Carrick. It features two England internationals, the captain of Belgium, and a 22-year-old Brazilian who is highly rated. But United are likely to still want more.

Mount's form has led to discussions over whether to sign a third midfielder and what kind of player to go for. There is an argument that on this form he should be in the team every week and he does fit the profile of player Carrick wants in that position in his 4-2-3-1 system. A third midfield signing this summer would add to the competition, however, even if it feels like it's necessary to give United the squad depth they need to challenge on four fronts this term.

The dilemma is that any new signing could further compromise Mount's playing time and Carrick is a big fan of the 27-year-old. He is also one of the best-paid players at the club after a £60million move from Chelsea in 2023. If he were to slide down the pecking order to fifth-choice midfielder, then a sale would be more likely, given the efforts to keep wages under control at Old Trafford.

That is why United's moves in the remainder of this window will be fascinating. Right now, the four midfielders at Carrick's disposal all feel on a similar level and competition for places will be interesting. Mount will get his share of games. But if a big-money deal does materialise over the next few weeks, it could have an impact on the amount of action Mount gets this season and the standout player of pre-season so far is by no means guaranteed to be a regular starter this term.

League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 3rd in Premier League, 71 pts, 20W-11D-7L from 38 games, recent form WWDWW. Goals this season: 69 scored, 50 conceded (+19 goal difference). Title race: 14 points behind leaders Arsenal. Last result: Brighton 0-3 Manchester United (2026-05-24). Recent form (last 5): 3W-2D-0L (WWWDD, most recent first); on a 3-game winning run. Currently sidelined: Manuel Ugarte.