Man Utd: Is Mason Mount the Missing Piece in Their Midfield?

Mount spent much of his career operating as an advanced midfielder, but when he completed a £55m move from Chelsea to United in 2023, his versatility in the middle of the pitch was viewed as a major benefit.

Injuries disrupted a significant part of his first two campaigns at Old Trafford, although the 27-year-old managed to deliver more regularly last season.

The pre-season remains at an early stage, but the first two matches against Wrexham in Helsinki and a relatively modest Rosenborg team in Trondheim have suggested that Mount and Santos could develop into an effective midfield pairing.

Santos already appears comfortable in a deeper role, receiving possession from defenders, identifying openings for passes and applying pressure to opposing players.

His positioning gives Mount, whose most recent of 36 appearances for England came four years ago, greater freedom to display his quality in possession, find open areas and drive United forward. Tackling may not be considered one of his defining qualities, but he is also willing to challenge for the ball.

“I have been aware of Andre for quite some time,” Mount said. “I have followed his progress since he established himself in Chelsea’s senior side.

“He is an excellent footballer with a strong understanding of how the game develops.

“Because he tends to play a more defensive role, I have extra freedom to move forward and combine with him.

“We also share a determined defensive approach. We want to cover ground, make challenges, recover possession and compete with intensity.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed playing there. It is a role I learned from an early age and have occupied for many years. I feel comfortable in that position and believe it suits me.”

Mount cannot yet be described as a veteran, but he has treated his duties as one of the more experienced members of the squad with considerable seriousness during the opening pre-season fixtures.

He has devoted time to supporting the younger members of the group. Before the Rosenborg game, he was notably seen speaking with Shea Lacey, whose impressive opening goal in a 5-0 victory may have strengthened his prospects of securing a regular position in Carrick’s squad.

During a conversation with reporters in April, Mount, who is under contract until 2028, discussed the coming campaign, the club’s return to the Champions League and the role he hoped to play.

“There will be many more fixtures next season, and that is exactly what you expect at a major club,” he said. “As players, we enjoy the responsibility of delivering strong performances and securing victories. Whether I am selected from the beginning or introduced as a substitute, I will be prepared.”

Such commitment is highly valued by managers.

Carrick underlined his confidence in Mount by briefly handing him the captain’s armband during the second half in Norway. Harry Maguire had been withdrawn at half-time, with most of the substitutions following shortly after the hour.

“Leadership can take several different forms,” Mount said.

“Some leaders communicate very loudly, whereas I prefer to set standards through my actions and constant effort.

“I wore the captain’s armband earlier in my career, so it is a responsibility I greatly enjoy.

“With so many young players involved, I particularly appreciate being able to guide them, both during matches and away from the pitch, and help them settle into the group.”

More than five weeks remain before the transfer market shuts, and United are likely to continue being associated with expensive potential additions.

Nevertheless, Mount is building a convincing argument that the club may already possess the midfield solution it requires.