Manchester United will be hosting Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday. United are in flying form, winning three games on the bounce since Michael Carrick took charge on an interim basis. Unfortunately for him, Carrick will have to do without some of his players, including midfielder Mason Mount.
Michael Carrick gave his injury update to the press ahead of United's game against Tottenham this weekend. In it, he confirmed the continued absence of Patrick Dorgu and defender Matthijs de Ligt.
He also confirmed that Mason Mount's absence from the squad for last weekend's game against Fulham was due to an injury the midfielder sustained. The interim head coach did also confirm that Mount was due to return to the first-team shortly, and sooner than Matthijs de Ligt, who remains absent with a long-term back issue.
"Mason [Mount] sooner. He's not too far away. We're hopeful it won't be too long," Carrick explained to the press. "Matta [De Ligt] is working his way back, taking his steps and improving and being really positive."
It's yet another injury to the English midfielder, who has struggled for fitness ever since he signed for Man United in 2023. Since his signing, Mount has played just over 2,700 minutes for the Red Devils. For some perspective, Bruno Fernandes has already logged almost 2,000 minutes played so far this season.
With the switch in formation to a 4-2-3-1, and the removal of Ruben Amorim as manager, Mason Mount has suddenly lost the wind in his sails at United. Bruno Fernandes has been moved back up the field and is absolutely flying in his favoured role. It leaves Mason Mount destined for the bench for the majority of games, unless he can adapt to another role.
Mason Mount's absence will also hit hard for the team. Mount is a capable and reliable footballer, an excellent team player and presser. His football may not be that eye-catching or glamorous, but United are a better team with him in the squad.
While it's likely that Mason Mount will be returning to the first-team squad shortly, even before Tuesday's match against West Ham, Mount will need to perform consistently and stay fit for the remainder of the season if he wants to stake a claim on a spot in United's squad going forward.
With Mason Mount surely harbouring long-term dreams of a return to the England squad, even if a spot in the World Cup squad is probably beyond his reach, it could be that his future is outside of Old Trafford.