Manchester United are planning to take a shocking tactical decision for the 2026-27 season.
According to The Sun, Mason Mount is prepared to occupy a deeper role at Manchester United to ease their midfield crisis.
Mount moved to the Theatre of Dreams from Chelsea in a £55 million deal in July 2023.
It is very evident that INEOS entered the summer transfer window with a clear objective of rebuilding the midfield.
So far very little has gone according to plan.
United reached an agreement with Atalanta last month to sign Ederson, but the transfer has now reportedly collapsed in dramatic fashion.
The Brazilian is believed to be carrying a knee problem, with United unwilling to gamble on signing a player facing fitness concerns.
After pulling out of the race for Elliot Anderson, INEOS identified Mateus Fernandes as their leading midfield target.
Fernandes eventually completed a surprise move to Tottenham Hotspur after United decided against meeting the staggering £85 million asking price.
Casemiro has left Old Trafford and Manuel Ugarte suffered a devastating injury at the World Cup.
United need at least two new midfielders to support Kobbie Mainoo.
Although Andrey Santos is expected to arrive from Chelsea, the Brazilian is still viewed as a long-term project rather than an instant game-changer.
Mount played in central midfield in his last two games under head coach Michael Carrick.
Despite taking time to settle into the unfamiliar position, he gradually showcased his intelligence, versatility and willingness to adapt.
His relentless defensive work rate and disciplined off-the-ball movement provided valuable balance to the team.
Mount could become a useful emergency solution, but Carrick cannot afford to rely on him as his first-choice holding midfielder.
If United truly want to maximise Mainoo’s potential, they must recruit a powerful defensive midfielder capable of protecting the defence.
Mount is naturally a far more effective option when United need creativity and energy in pursuit of a winning goal.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com