Carrick admits he 'really likes' £55m star but 27yo has played only twice in 10 games

Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick has heaped praise on Mason Mount.

The Red Devils are set to return to action on Monday evening with a high-stakes clash against Leeds United at Old Trafford.

Speaking at the press conference ahead of the game, Carrick expressed his delight at having Mount available once again.

He said: “It is great to have him back. I think his versatility is a big strength. He can play through the middle, he can play in midfield, he can play wide, and he can do so many different roles.

“He is certainly a team player. He is a player that I really like, and there is loads to come from Mason, we’ve just got to give him the time to get fit again and be patient with that, but he is certainly in a good place right now.”

Mount made a brief cameo off the bench against Bournemouth before United entered a 24-day break.

That appearance marked his return after missing six matches due to a knock sustained in training in early February. Infact, he has played only twice under Carrick.

Mason Mount has an undefined role

Mount moved to United from Chelsea for a fee of £55 million in 2023.

The Englishman is a jack of all trades but a master of none.

Carrick values that adaptability, but it also presents a tactical dilemma when it comes to selecting a balanced starting XI.

We do not believe that Mount can break into the starting line-up against Leeds.

Bruno Fernandes is an undisputed starter at the number 10 position.

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are likely to operate on the wings, with Benjamin Sesko leading the line.

The starting line-up could be heavily unbalanced if Mount is given a start in the midfield pivot.

With just seven games remaining, the pressure is firmly on Mount to make a meaningful impact.

He showed promising signs earlier in the campaign, but his recent injury setback has disrupted his momentum.

United fans are divided on whether they could ever consider the 27-year-old a reliable player.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .