Mason Mount Injury Could Prompt Erik ten Hag Transfer Rethink at Manchester United
On Tuesday, Manchester United confirmed that their £55million summer signing, Mason Mount, had picked up a ‘small injury complaint’ in Saturday’s defeat to Tottenham. The update only ruled Mount out of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest and next week’s showdown with Arsenal, and he was expected to return after the international break.
However, the Telegraph are now reporting that United’s initial assessment was rather optimistic and the 24-year-old could face between four and six weeks on the sidelines. Rather than only missing two matches, Mount faces being out of action until early October which would see him miss up to six more games.
Mount’s Injury Could Mean 4-6 Weeks Out of Action
If Mount’s lay-off is closer to the six-week mark, then his participation in Premier League home matches against Crystal Palace on September 30 and Brentford on October 7 could also be in doubt. The Telegraph’s report claims the injury blow to Mount could have repercussions with regard to United’s transfer plans before the window closes.
Erik ten Hag Transfer Rethink
Ten Hag had been willing to let Scott McTominay – who has fallen down the pecking order recently – leave the club, but he may now be retained in order to provide much-needed cover in midfield. With Fred having been sold, Kobbie Mainoo injured and Christian Eriksen not expected to play as regularly this season, the injury to Mount has left Ten Hag with precious few options in the short-term.
As such, McTominay is now more likely to stay at Old Trafford – a decision which has also been influenced by Newcastle and West Ham cooling their interest in the Scotland international. The situation could change yet again if United were able to bring in a new midfielder before next week’s transfer deadline, with Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat still linked with a move, but as things stand McTominay will now be needed to step in during Mount’s spell on the sidelines.
Conclusion
Mason Mount’s injury could be a major setback for Manchester United, as it could mean he is out of action for up to six weeks. This could prompt Erik ten Hag into a transfer rethink, as he may need to retain Scott McTominay in order to provide cover in midfield. However, the situation could change if United are able to bring in a new midfielder before next week’s transfer deadline.