Manchester United have received a boost with news that Mason Mount's injury is not as serious as first feared. The midfielder was forced off after just 20 minutes during Saturday's 1-1 friendly draw with Paris Saint-Germain.
Mount was replaced after picking up a knock, with Tyler Fletcher coming on 10 minutes before Bryan Mbeumo scored the equaliser. Manager Michael Carrick was left concerned over the 27-year-old's condition, given Mount's injury-prone time at Old Trafford.
Mount's condition assessed
Despite initial worries, Mount left the stadium in Gothenburg, Sweden on foot without assistance, indicating his pre-season preparations could continue. He has since travelled to Ireland ahead of United's training camp in County Kildare, where he will reunite with Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez, who were granted extra rest after the World Cup.
With fewer than two weeks before United's Premier League opener away to newly-promoted Hull City, Mount had looked set to play a key role, having featured in a deeper midfield role during pre-season.
Pre-season form
After starting just two of Carrick's 17 matches in charge last season, Mount has impressed during pre-season. Operating deeper, the ex-Chelsea star has delivered promising displays. He could feature in a revamped midfield against Hull, with new signings Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans in contention, while Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes anticipate involvement.
United have sought a third midfielder throughout the transfer window, but Mount's performances could lead them to focus on other areas, such as left-back, before deadline day on September 1.
Captaincy praise
Mount's revival has prompted former United winger Lee Sharpe to label him captaincy material. "I think if he can stay fit and play the way he has done previous seasons, Mason Mount, with his experience, would always be in with a shout," Sharpe told Goal. "I think he would not necessarily rule by fear, but rule by example."
Mount has made 72 appearances since joining United in a deal worth up to £60 million in 2023. His Old Trafford career has been hampered by injuries and managerial changes, but last season was his most fruitful, with three goals and one assist in 25 matches.
