Manchester United’s stance on deadline day midfield signings after Mason Mount injury confirmed

Manchester United could go back into the transfer market after it was confirmed that Mason Mount has suffered another injury setback.

Mount, 25, joined Manchester United from Chelsea last season but struggled due to multiple injuries during his first year at Old Trafford.

This summer, he featured in every pre-season game, started in the Community Shield, and played in both of United’s opening Premier League matches.

However, in the most recent game against Brighton, the midfielder was substituted at halftime due to a concern, and it was later revealed that he sustained a hamstring injury.

“Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount has suffered a minor injury setback that is due to keep him out of action for a few games,” a club statement read.

“The no.7 was substituted at half-time of last weekend’s Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion, where he had started for the third consecutive match this season.”

Reports have explained that the 25-year-old is expected to be absent from the team for around four to five weeks.

At the beginning of the summer, it was regularly reported that United’s ideal plan involved signing two midfield players this summer. But it looked certain that Manuel Ugarte would be the only addition in the position until Mount’s injury this week.

However, reports elsewhere have suggested that a large player sale could open up room for the second midfield signing, and both Scott McTominay and Jadon Sancho are set to secure exits in the final days of the window.

Reports have also clarified that United are not desperate for a direct replacement should Sancho leave, which would allow the focus to be on a potential midfielder with deadline day approaching.

While there will be a lack of names, with the likes of Sander Berge and Youssouf Fofana now unavailable after completing transfers elsewhere, the Reds could still be in the market.

We have also seen in recent transfer windows that the club have been able to react to injury issues in the market. For example, Marcel Sabizter was signed on loan in January 2023 after Christian Eriksen suffered an injury.

On the other hand, this is a new and improved structure under INEOS’ leadership, and they might believe that a solution is elsewhere. Young star Sekou Kone is joining the club, while Toby Collyer is another midfield option.

This is slightly different from the left-back situation, though, as not as many players in the squad are comfortable filling the positions in midfield.

Looking at what we know about INEOS and the reports coming out in recent weeks, now that Mount’s injury is confirmed, it seems clear that if there is a market opportunity for the right player, United will take it.

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Thursday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.