Manchester United will next host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup third round tomorrow.
Man United manager Michael Carrick will be looking to turn things around after a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City last weekend.
The shock Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town last season will still be fresh in the minds of several United players, making another early elimination unthinkable.
Carrick must ensure his players quickly rediscover their confidence and secure safe passage into the fourth round.
The 45-year-old has established Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans as his preferred midfield pairing, but this is the perfect opportunity to freshen things up.
Mason Mount has to step up for Man United
We strongly believe that Mason Mount should be handed a start in midfield against Brighton.
Mainoo and Tielemans have started four games in 15 days.
Squad rotation is important for a team playing across four competitions. Mainoo should be a guaranteed starter with Mount replacing Tielemans in the starting XI.
Carrick deployed Mount in central midfield alongside Andrey Santos in the first four games of the pre-season.
The former Chelsea star impressed with his progressive style of play and defensive tenacity.
Unfortunately, a knock against Paris Saint-Germain disrupted his momentum and forced him to miss several weeks of training.
Mount is now fully fit but remained an unused substitute against City, and as one of the more experienced players in the squad, he must now step up.
Tielemans also deserves a breather, with another heavy workload potentially increasing the risk of another injury setback after his fitness struggles last season.
Carrick must hand the £55 million signing a start and give him the platform to dictate the tempo and influence proceedings.
Mainoo has operated in a slightly deeper role this season and could continue in that position against Brighton.
Mount could be given greater freedom to join the attack when United have possession while remaining disciplined enough to track runners and block passing lanes when Brighton have the ball.
Stats from Fotmob.com