Why go out searching for a midfielder when you've got Mason Mount at home? This question forces Michael Carrick and United's staff to consider Mount as a central part of their midfield revamp, a conversation many supporters find uncomfortable.

The 27‑year‑old has started every pre‑season game for United and impressed against Wrexham, Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid. Yet pre‑season can be deceptive; fitness and lack of competitive edge may not reflect true ability, as seen with Andreas Pereira, once dubbed the “pre‑season Pirlo”.

Mount has slotted into a deeper No 8 role, showing composure on the ball and industry that United need. He has logged roughly 4,500 minutes as a No 8 or No 6 and 7,000 behind the front man, and his deployment alongside Kobbie Mainoo at Brighton marked United’s first match without Casemiro. His attitude has allowed him to adapt to many sides, making him a likely candidate for Carrick’s evolving system.

Although his fitness has kept him out of about 70 games and sidelined for 394 days, signs suggest he can become a useful tool. With Champions League return and a desire to avoid domestic cup exits, Mount may finally deliver the midfield presence United hoped for when they signed him for up to £60 m.