After two disappointing seasons due to injuries and poor performance, Mason Mount is gradually bringing positive signals to Manchester United. The impressive performance in the pre-season period not only helped the English midfielder regain confidence but also forced coach Michael Carrick to reconsider the plan to strengthen the midfield.
Mount has started in all of Man United's friendly matches against Wrexham, Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid, and has also become one of the most outstanding players. Although the friendly matches do not fully reflect the strength of a team, they still provide a clearer view of the tactical orientation that Carrick wants to build for the new season.
The noteworthy point is that Mount is positioned as a deep midfielder and integrates very quickly. The ability to hold the ball, rotate the ball and high intensity of activity helps him bring balance to the midfield. This is also the type of midfielder that Man United is looking for after Casemiro left the team.
In the summer transfer window of 2026, the Old Trafford team has prioritized upgrading the midfield with new signings such as Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. However, Mount's form gives the coaching staff another quality option right in the current squad.
In fact, Mount playing in the number 8 position is not new. Previously, he played in the role of central midfielder and shuttle midfielder before being frequently used behind the striker at Chelsea.
At the end of last season, Carrick also paired Mount with Kobbie Mainoo in the victory over Brighton. Despite not having a true defensive midfielder, this duo still helped Man United completely control the midfield thanks to their ball handling and flexible movement.
That philosophy partly reflects the direction Carrick wants to build. Instead of relying on a defensive midfielder like Casemiro, the English strategist tends to prioritize players who are good at controlling the ball and maintaining the pace of the match, similar to the midfield model that Paris Saint-Germain once successfully applied.
Mount is also a player who is always highly appreciated by coaches. From Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel to Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, all have special trust in the English midfielder thanks to his versatility, fighting spirit and ability to adapt to many different roles.
However, Mount's biggest obstacle is physical condition. Since moving to Old Trafford, he has missed about 70 matches and had to be out for nearly 400 days due to injury. That is what makes the £60 million contract unable to meet expectations.
If they maintain their current fitness, Mount can completely become Man United's "new contract" in the 2026-2027 season. With the team returning to the Champions League and having to fight on many fronts, Carrick will need squad depth and energetic players like Mount.
After 2 turbulent years, the 27-year-old midfielder is facing a great opportunity to prove his worth. Man United may not need to look for another new midfielder, because the solution to the midfield problem may already be present at Carrington.
