New Delhi: Manchester United’s injury troubles have been well documented since last season. After suffering 60+ injuries during the 2023/24 season, the club are again struggling to maintain it’s players’ fitness. The club currently have eight players that have been ruled out due to various injuries. The Premier League outfit however, received a major boost to their squad as this past Monday as one of their star players returned to training.
The club welcomed back midfielder Mason Mount to training, five weeks after suffering a head injury in the club’s humiliating 3-0 loss against Tottenham Hotspur. Mount, who joined United from Chelsea in 2023, has encountered persistent fitness challenges since arriving at Old Trafford, including a hamstring issue that sidelined him at the start of September. Despite recovering from that initial setback, the 25-year-old’s return was short-lived.
🚨🚨| BREAKING: Mason Mount has returned to #mufc training but he will be handled carefully and may not be available before the international break. (@StevenRailston) pic.twitter.com/1qYrgcK35E
— centredevils. (@centredevils) November 4, 2024
In United’s clash with Spurs, he replaced Kobbie Mainoo, who had left the field with an injury, only to face an aerial collision with Tottenham defender Radu Dragusin that left him with a severe head wound. Mount’s absence has come as a blow to United’s midfield, especially given Mainoo’s further injury against Aston Villa a week later. With both players unavailable, United’s midfield depth has been notably reduced, impacting team selection and strategy.
The club remains cautious, stating Mount “will not be rushed back” into action to avoid any further setbacks. However, his resumption of full training is a promising development, and the team is hopeful he will soon be fit enough to contribute once more. At his best, Mount can become a very useful player for the club especially at a time when the club is in need of leaders on the field.
A Key Return Amidst Managerial Changes
Mount’s return comes during a period of transition for United, as the club recently appointed Ruben Amorim as their new permanent head coach, following the departure of Erik ten Hag. Amorim is expected to arrive in Manchester next Monday and will officially take charge following the November international break. This timeline allows Mount additional recovery time, as United only have two fixtures remaining before the break, against PAOK in the UEFA Europa League and Leicester City in the Premier League.
Mount’s potential return, coupled with the arrival of Amorim, is likely to bring new tactical options for United as they approach a busy phase in the season. The Red Devils hope that the midfielder’s reintroduction to the lineup will inject fresh energy and creativity, further bolstering a squad eager to climb the league table under new management. In the meantime, Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was named interim manager, has overseen United’s recent matches.
The Dutchman has already led the team to a resounding victory over Leicester in the Carabao Cup and secured a Premier League draw with Chelsea, where a second-half equalizer denied United the win. With Amorim’s arrival imminent, Van Nistelrooy’s leadership has offered stability, allowing the incoming manager to inherit a team that is slowly recovering key players and finding its footing.
Comments are closed.