Manchester United manager Michael Carrick may have finally unlocked the very best version of Mason Mount.
Mount moved to United from Chelsea in the summer of 2023 for a fee of £55 million.
However, repeated injury setbacks turned what should have been an exciting new chapter into a stop-start nightmare.
Former manager Ruben Amorim used him as both a false nine and an attacking midfielder.
Before that, Erik ten Hag frequently deployed him on the wing, while Chelsea also utilised him in several attacking roles.
Mount’s versatility has never been in doubt, but constant positional changes have often prevented him from truly settling.
Carrick now appears to have discovered the role that brings the very best out of the 27-year-old.
Michael Carrick is reinventing Mason Mount
Carrick has trusted Mount in the number eight position in all three pre-season friendlies, and the results have been hugely encouraging.
The role perfectly complements his football intelligence and ability to read the game.
Mount has seamlessly connected defence and attack, using his experience in both midfield and advanced positions.
His relentless work ethic has always been one of his greatest strengths, explaining why almost every manager he has worked under has placed enormous trust in him.
He presses aggressively, tracks runners tirelessly and covers huge distances when out of possession.
Mount could be a really important player in the upcoming campaign due to the higher volume of games but the only worry remains his cruel injury record.
With the club returning to the UEFA Champions League, the value of versatile players increases because they can perform in several positions.
Carrick inherited an intelligent footballer, but he now looks close to transforming Mount into the complete midfielder United believed they were signing three years ago.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com