Manchester United have suffered a potentially devastating setback during their friendly clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Manager Michael Carrick once again trusted Mason Mount in central midfield, handing him his fourth consecutive start in the role.
Mount suffered an injury and was forced off in the 20th minute, with Tyler Fletcher stepping in alongside Andrey Santos.
The setback could be a major headache for INEOS, who had been preparing to use Mount in a deeper midfield role throughout the upcoming campaign.
The England international impressed with his composed displays in an unfamiliar role this summer.
Mount has always been admired for his high football intelligence.
With Santos dropping between the centre-backs, Mount had begun operating as the crucial link connecting United’s midfield with their attack.
His performances had even given United reason to believe they might not need to spend heavily on another midfielder after already signing Santos and Youri Tielemans.
The incident is also a timely warning to INEOS that they cannot build their midfield plans around Mount alone, regardless of his undeniable talent.
The former Chelsea star has made just 72 appearances across the last three years.
United may now need to return to the transfer market for another midfielder capable of injecting energy, intensity and dynamism into the centre of the pitch.
The Red Devils have admired Alex Scott for some time, but the midfielder reportedly favours a move to Chelsea.
Carlos Baleba has also been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, although his recent ankle ligament injury has made a transfer increasingly difficult.
Stats from Fotmob.com
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