Manchester United's midfield remains one of the biggest talking points of the summer transfer window.
The club has already spent £83 million to sign Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Belgian international Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
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Even so, with Manuel Ugarte ruled out for several months due to a knee injury and Casemiro departing after his contract expired at the end of June, expectations have been growing that United would sign another central midfielder before the new season.
The club has been linked with several players, including Bournemouth duo Alex Scott and Tyler Adams, while speculation continues over AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné.
Reports have also suggested that Real Madrid are open to discussing the future of French international Aurélien Tchouaméni, amid claims the Spanish giants are interested in signing Rodri, the World Cup-winning midfielder from Manchester City.
However, Tchouaméni's expected salary and transfer fee are believed to conflict with Manchester United's efforts to control spending, especially as the club is also looking to strengthen at left wing and add another striker to support Benjamin Šeško, who is currently recovering from a shin injury.
Mount Emerging as an Internal Solution
Based on United's first two pre-season friendlies, manager Michael Carrick may already have the answer within his squad.
When Mason Mount joined Manchester United from Chelsea for £55 million in 2023, his ability to play in central midfield despite spending most of his career as an attacking midfielder was considered one of his greatest strengths.
Although injuries disrupted much of his first two seasons at Old Trafford, the 27-year-old produced consistent performances last season.
Pre-season is still in its early stages, but friendlies against Wrexham in Helsinki and Rosenborg in Trondheim suggested that Mount and Andrey Santos could form a highly effective midfield partnership.
Santos has shown his ability to operate deep, receive possession from defenders, identify passing lanes, and press opponents aggressively.
That allows Mount greater freedom to use his technical ability, find space, and drive the team forward. While he is not primarily known for his defensive work, Mount has also demonstrated a willingness to tackle and win possession.
"I've known Andrey for a long time and followed his progress since he broke into Chelsea's first team," Mount said.
"He's a fantastic player and reads the game extremely well. He's naturally more defensive, which gives me the freedom to move forward and play alongside him.
Defensively, we're both aggressive we enjoy tackling, winning the ball back, and competing. I've really enjoyed playing in this role. It's a position I've played since I was young and one I love."
Leading by Example
While Mount is still only 27, he has embraced greater leadership responsibilities within the squad during pre-season.
He has spent time mentoring younger players, notably speaking with Shea Lacey, whose impressive goal in United's 5-0 victory strengthened his hopes of earning a regular place in Carrick's squad.
Speaking to reporters in April, Mount whose contract runs until 2028 discussed United's return to the UEFA Champions League and his ambitions for the new campaign.
"Next season we'll be playing more matches, and that's exactly what you want when you're at a big club," he said.
"The pressure to perform and win games is what we love as players. Whether I start or come off the bench, I'm ready."
That mentality is exactly the kind managers value. Carrick highlighted his trust in Mount by handing him the captain's armband for part of the second half against Rosenborg after Harry Maguire was substituted.
"There are different types of leaders," Mount said. "Some lead with their voice, but I see myself as someone who leads by example.
I never stop working."
"I've worn the captain's armband before and I enjoy the responsibility. With so many young players around, I enjoy talking to them and helping them feel comfortable."
Making His Case
With more than five weeks remaining in the transfer window, Manchester United are expected to continue being linked with high-profile midfield targets.
However, Mason Mount is already making a compelling case that the solution to United's midfield concerns may already be at Old Trafford.
