Michael Carrick looking on
(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has been told that a fit Mason Mount will give him a selection headache next season.
The 27-year-old is a Chelsea youth product who played an integral role in the Blues’ Champions League triumph in 2021.
In 2023, the West Londoners sold him to Man Utd for £60 million, but injuries have been hampering his momentum.
Mason Mount aiming to break into Michael Carrick’s plans
While physical problems have limited his time on the pitch, Mount still earned plaudits for some of his displays.
Former Man Utd head coach Ruben Amorim was a big admirer of the midfielder. The Portuguese manager reportedly enquired about Mount’s availability this summer, as he hoped to reunite with his pupil at AC Milan.
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Mount’s Career Stats Appearances Goals Assists
Chelsea 195 33 37
Vitesse 39 14 10
Derby County 44 11 6
Man Utd 72 7 2
Nevertheless, United have no intention of parting ways with the England international, who could have an instrumental role to play this season.
According to former MUFC striker Fraizer Campbell, Mount will give Carrick a selection dilemma if he can stay fit.
“He has never really got going at United through bad luck and injuries. He is a bit more mature now, but he definitely has got a role to play,” said the retired English player in his interview with BBC Radio Manchester.
“He is a top player and an England international, and he did really well at Chelsea. Every manager, when he has been available, has picked him. He is one of those players that managers can trust.
“If he can keep fit, he will be one that the manager has a problem with – Michael Carrick will have to try and find a way to get him in the team.”
What will be Mount’s role at Man United this season?
The Portsmouth native is originally an attacking midfielder. So while Carrick’s 4-2-3-1 perfectly suits his characteristics, he must have realised by now that usurping Bruno Fernandes is virtually impossible.
The Man Utd skipper has been the club’s best performer over the past few years, and it’s not even close.
So as long as the Portuguese star is fit and available, Mount will have to find another way to break into the starting lineup.
Luckily for the Englishman, he is versatile enough to occupy various roles, as he’s capable of playing on the wings or in the double pivot.
But with Marcus Rashford returning to the squad and vying with Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu, the left wing seems saturated. On the opposite side, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo will once again compete for a starting berth, with Shea Lacey adding further depth on the right.
Nevertheless, Mount might find space in a deeper role, especially with Man Utd struggling to find a new central midfielder to join Kobbie Mainoo, Youri Tielemans, and Andrey Santos.
Carrick has been testing Mount in the middle of the park since the end of the previous campaign, and once again in pre-season.
Therefore, the former Chelsea star might sneak into the starting XI by the start of the season while the new signings are adjusting to their new surroundings.