Michael Carrick has a selection headache ahead of Manchester United's Premier League opener against Hull on August 22, with Mason Mount and Andrey Santos emerging as the front-runners to join Bruno Fernandes in midfield.
Mount thriving in a deeper role
Mount has impressed during pre-season after ending last season strongly. He trained individually abroad before United's pre-season officially began, a routine he has kept over the last few years. Since Carrick's appointment, the 27-year-old has been used in a deeper midfield role and has looked at home, combining accurate passing with defensive work.
There is growing chemistry between Mount and Santos. "I've known Andre for a while," said Mount in Norway. "I've watched him from afar, since he's obviously broken into the first team at Chelsea. I think he's a really good player. I know he's young, but he's very experienced in going out on loan and playing in the Premier League as well. He reads the game very well. He's a little bit more defensive, so it allows me to push on a little bit more forward in these last two games and work off him."
Mount also praised Santos' defensive qualities and admitted he is enjoying his deeper role. "I think defensively as well, we're both players that want to get around it, want to put tackles in and win the ball back and be aggressive, so I've really enjoyed it," he added. "It's a position that I've played for many, many years from a young age, so I'm used to that in there. It's a position that I love and that I see myself in."
Fernandes return and the battle for places
Bruno Fernandes is due back at Carrington this week and is guaranteed to start against Hull. That leaves two midfield spots up for grabs. Mount and Santos are the heavy favourites, having been at the club since the start of pre-season and built up match fitness.
Both have taken their opportunities. Santos showed understandable rust in his first appearance against Wrexham, but improved against Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid.
Tielemans and Mainoo lurking
United have three pre-season friendlies remaining, against Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds and AC Milan. Youri Tielemans will be available against PSG after reporting to Carrington last week, while Fernandes could also be in contention. Kobbie Mainoo will return later after England reached the World Cup semi-finals, but should be back in time for the clash with Leeds in Dublin.
Tielemans will have three games to make an impression, while Mainoo will have a maximum of two pre-season appearances. That makes Tielemans more likely to challenge for a starting role on the opening day than Mainoo.
The likely opening-day midfield
Everything points to Carrick selecting Santos, Mount and Fernandes against Hull. Tielemans and Mainoo can use the early weeks of the season to build fitness. Even at full fitness, Mount and Santos have done enough in the first three friendlies to make a compelling case.
Carrick relied heavily on Fernandes, Mainoo and Casemiro last season, but the midfield now looks in a healthier place. Another midfielder is also expected to be signed before the transfer window closes. These are the kind of selection headaches Carrick wants.
