Louis Saha has urged Manchester United to sign a 'better option' than Mason Mount, as the midfielder's frustrating spell at Old Trafford continues. The former United striker believes the club should have replaced the 27-year-old during the summer transfer window.
Mount's struggles continue
Mount joined United from Chelsea in 2023 for £60m, but has scored just five Premier League goals across the last three seasons and has missed long spells through injury. He suffered another setback during pre-season and is yet to make a Premier League start this term, though he was on the bench for the 1-1 draw with Fulham before the international break.
Manager Michael Carrick oversaw a quiet transfer window, prioritising midfield reinforcements with the arrivals of Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba.
Saha's verdict
'Manchester United could have signed another playmaker to play as the second striker or a more creative midfielder who is a better option than Mason Mount to replace him,' Saha told Betano. 'He is another good player but he is not someone who is going to accelerate a game for Manchester United.'
'He has been very unfortunate with injuries but he has never shown me that he is that kind of player who in hot moments is going to take the pressure and responsibility alongside Bruno Fernandes.'
Transfer window criticism
Saha also questioned United's approach in the market, saying: 'Did Manchester United fail Michael Carrick in the transfer market? There is a bit of that going on. I understand the business that they did because in the past they have not done well at spending money.'
'They didn't want to take a risk and break the bank this summer but I think that was the wrong mentality for where the team is at, and so some of the players they've brought in have been wrong. I think it was more about bringing in players who want to be at Manchester United and appreciate the opportunity to play for the club rather than finding the players with the quality to take the team to a new level.'
Pressure at Old Trafford
Carrick is already under pressure following an underwhelming start to the 2025-26 campaign, with United winning just two of their seven games. That poor run has left them 12th in the Premier League during the autumn international break, ten points behind rivals Manchester City.
