Michael Carrick remains convinced Mason Mount can have a big role to play for Manchester United, despite another minor setback for the midfielder.
Mount missed the opening-day defeat to Hull City after picking up a knock, continuing a frustrating pattern that has followed him since moving to Old Trafford. The injuries have often come just as he appears to be finding some rhythm again.
Michael Carrick, though, isn’t concerned about Mount’s long-term contribution. Quite the opposite. The United boss still expects the 27-year-old to make a big impact this season.
Carrick backs Mason Mount to bounce back
Mount had a good pre-season and managed to come through it without any major problems. That is something Carrick sees as a positive, even though the latest knock has ruled him out for the start of the Premier League campaign.
“Yeah, 100 per cent. Mase can have a big impact, no doubt. He’s a top player and he started pre-season and came through pre-season particularly well. He hasn’t missed an awful lot of time, so he’ll get up to speed pretty quickly,” Michael Carrick said ahead of the Ipswich game.
Carrick doesn’t see Mount’s latest issue as a lengthy absence. The midfielder should be able to get himself back into the group fairly quickly once he’s ready.
There is also a bigger question around why Mason Mount has struggled to stay fit for long spells. Carrick was asked whether the club have been looking at that problem or whether it is simply down to bad luck.
His answer suggests Manchester United are taking every precaution they can.
“I think with every player, we want to keep them on the pitch as much as we can. Certain players end up going through spells a little bit differently to others.”
Carrick also pointed to the work being done behind the scenes.
“We’ve got unbelievable staff and facilities here, and things we can draw upon to try to make it better for every player and keep them as fit for as long as we can, for sure.”
Mount’s mentality earns Carrick’s praise
For Carrick, the most encouraging thing about Mason Mount may be how he handles setbacks.
Mason Mount has had to deal with more frustration than he would have wanted since arriving at United, but Carrick says he doesn’t allow those setbacks to change his attitude.
“He’s very level, Mase. He’s a really top character and personality and does a lot of the right things with the right intentions.”
Michael Carrick also highlighted the relationship he has with Mount and the way the player responds when things don’t go his way.
“He’s the type you can really have a good relationship and understanding with.”
Mount was disappointed to pick up another knock, especially after getting through pre-season well, but Carrick doesn’t expect it to affect him once he returns.
“He was disappointed to pick up this small knock that he did, but it won’t knock him for what’s coming next in the season ahead. We’re really positive about that.”
That optimism could be important for both Mount and United.
Carrick wants his side to move on from the Hull defeat and start building momentum, but the manager will also need as many of his senior players available as possible.
