United urged to replace Mason Mount as Carrick faces pressure
Manchester United’s new boss Michael Carrick is being urged to find a better option than Mason Mount, whose £60 million move from Chelsea in 2023 has turned into a frustrating spell at Old Trafford, with the 27‑year‑old yet to start a Premier League match this term.
Mount's disappointing return
Mount has managed only five Premier League goals across his last three seasons, a tally far below the expectations attached to his £60 million fee. Recurring injury problems have kept him sidelined for large spells, and a fresh setback in pre‑season means he has not made a league start this campaign. He was an unused substitute in the 1‑1 draw with Fulham before the international break.
Former United striker Louis Saha argues that the club should have replaced Mount in the summer, saying, “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.”
Carrick's transfer window and mounting pressure
Carrick’s first transfer window was notably subdued, with United prioritising midfield depth by signing Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba rather than a marquee creative midfielder. The arrivals have provided options but have not addressed the creative void that Saha says Mount leaves.
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Saha added that United’s reluctance to spend heavily this summer was the wrong mentality, noting, “They didn’t want to take a risk and break the bank… some of the players they’ve brought in have been wrong.” He also warned that the club has not secured its first‑choice targets and needs players who can lift the team to a new level.
United have won only two of their seven league games this season, leaving them 12th in the Premier League during the autumn international break and ten points adrift of rivals Manchester City. The poor run has intensified scrutiny on Carrick as the club searches for the right balance to break down opponents.
Unless Carrick can secure a creative midfielder who can complement Bruno Fernandes and stay fit, United’s search for a Mount replacement will remain an urgent task, with the transfer deadline looming and the squad’s injury list still a concern. The window’s remaining days will test whether United can shift from a cautious approach to a decisive one.