Mason Mount injury boost as Manchester United receive positive fitness update

Manchester United have received a timely injury boost after Mason Mount's setback against Paris Saint-Germain was not thought to be serious.

The midfielder was substituted after just 20 minutes of Saturday's 1-1 pre-season draw in Gothenburg, briefly raising concerns ahead of the Premier League campaign.

Mount impressed during the opening stages against PSG before leaving the pitch with an apparent injury, forcing Michael Carrick into an early change.

However, there is growing optimism that the 27-year-old has avoided a significant problem.

The England international was seen leaving the stadium without difficulty and has since travelled with the Manchester United squad to their training camp in County Kildare, suggesting he remains in contention to feature before the new season begins.

Mount has been one of United's standout performers during pre-season, thriving in a deeper midfield role under Carrick.

After starting just two of Carrick's 17 matches last season, the former Chelsea midfielder has taken his opportunity this summer and could now be pushing for a regular starting place.

Summer signings Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans are also competing for midfield spots, while Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are expected to play key roles once fully integrated into pre-season.

United have spent much of the summer searching for another central midfielder, but Mount's resurgence may change those plans.

Instead, the Red Devils could prioritise strengthening at left-back before the transfer deadline, with Carrick encouraged by the competition already available in midfield.

Former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe believes Mount's leadership qualities have also become increasingly apparent.

"If he can stay fit and play the way he has done previous seasons, Mason Mount, with his experience, would always be in with a shout. I think he would not necessarily rule by fear, but rule by example."

Manchester United will continue monitoring Mount's fitness during their training camp ahead of the Premier League opener against Hull City. Carrick will hope the midfielder is available after an encouraging pre-season, while the club continue assessing whether further additions are needed before the transfer window closes.