Mason Mount’s Old Trafford career rests on a knife-edge. Despite injury woes, midfield departures may grant the Englishman a final reprieve to prove his worth under Michael Carrick.
Since arriving at Manchester United from Chelsea in 2024, Mason Mount’s time at United has been plagued by injuries.
United’s No.7 was granted his first start under Michael Carrick last time out at Sunderland, completing 90 minutes for the third time this season.
Michael Carrick, who is now favourite to become the permanent head coach of United, made alterations to the starting lineup - perhaps to gain a clearer picture of who would be in the plans for next season.
Mount was a name under the microscope - it is fair to say he struggled with his audition.
Mount's lucky United need midfield depth
It is no secret that INEOS have implemented the two-year performance review policy to good effect - look no further than André Onana and Rasmus Højlund for proof.
But with Champions League secured for next season, depth is required and that is what may preserve the Englishman his United status - especially with Casemiro leaving and Ugarte likely to follow suit.
Mount has shown flashes of brilliance in a United shirt - November was his most productive spell. At that time, there were vague shouts of an England recall, but injuries again put a stop to that.
Reinforcements are expected to arrive at various positions, but the most attention must be paid to midfield. United have been linked with Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Matheus Fernandes, all of whom play in the Premier League. The one name that is gaining traction, who does not, is Aurélien Tchouaméni.
The former England international could even be considered the biggest winner of United's summer needs, as staying at United for another season appears likely at present due to the depth required amid European football.
If United didn't already need so many new midfielders, his situation in Red could look vastly different this summer. If he cannot stay fit and prove himself next season, he could be one of the first out the door in 2027.
Mount believes United can challenge next season
Another reason Mount may want to stay at Old Trafford is he believes the club is on the cusp of greatness.
Since Carrick arrived in January, no other club has accumulated more points than United. The club currently sit in third and, had three or four results gone their way, they could have been breathing down the necks of leaders Arsenal.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Mount was asked if there is a belief that United can challenge for the Premier League title next season, he said: “I think you have to be realistic, but there is a big confidence behind that.
“Some of the games that we played this season - away at Arsenal, Liverpool - we know it is about consistency through the whole season. If we can get that right, we’ll be right up there.”