Mount's successful deep-lying role could prompt Manchester United to abandon signing another midfielder, freeing up funds to bring in a left-back, with two players now on the radar.

Manchester United rebuffed a bid to discuss a transfer for Mason Mount, as head coach Carrick is adamant about retaining him for the coming campaign. In pre-season friendlies, Mount has been used in a deeper midfield position, and his displays could alter the approach of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's hierarchy in the last weeks of the summer transfer window.

Since moving from Chelsea to Manchester United for £60 million in 2023, Mount has struggled with persistent injuries. Now, heading into his fourth season, which could be his most crucial, he is fighting to earn a starting spot in Carrick's revamped midfield lineup.

With Casemiro leaving on a free transfer after his contract expired and Ugarte ruled out for the season due to a serious injury, Manchester United spent £85 million on André Santos and Youri Tielemans. Ratcliffe had hoped to add another midfielder, but the plan may now shift. INEOS haven't ruled out the possibility of not signing a third midfielder before the window closes, and there is no clear frontrunner on the club's shortlist.

Meanwhile, United insiders believe Mount is rediscovering his best form, reminiscent of his 2021 Champions League final assist for the winning goal, where he was named MVP. However, the club faces a dilemma because we've heard this story before.

Mount impressed during pre-season under Ruben Amorim, but suffered an injury in just the fourth game of the season against Burnley, forcing him off. Last season, Mount only completed the full 90 minutes on three occasions. Under Carrick, he didn't get a start until the penultimate match against Sunderland, where he played as a defensive midfielder.

Mount has been one of United's standout performers in the last three pre-season friendlies, partnering the £50 million new signing Santos in a double pivot in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Although Mount has spent most of his career in more advanced roles—either on the right or as a number 10—Carrick has clearly decided to use him primarily as an 8 this season. That means Mount will compete directly with Kobbie Mainoo and fellow new signing Tielemans.

Tielemans has returned to training and will represent United in the weekend friendly against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg, Sweden. It will be interesting to see how Carrick deploys him alongside Mount. Interestingly, the two have been indirectly competing since 2003, when Tielemans' contract with Leicester City expired and United opted for Mount instead.

Ten Hag, who brought Mount to the club, reportedly planned to use him as a number 8 at United, but persistent injuries hampered his progress. During his time in Chelsea's academy, Mount was developed as a versatile midfielder, but then-manager Tuchel deployed him as an inside-forward number 10, believing that was his best position.

A United insider believes Mount's versatility will significantly boost his prospects this season. The 27-year-old England midfielder combines work rate with composure, can deliver line-breaking passes, has a goal-scoring instinct, and is also a robust tackler. United appear to be deliberately promoting Mount, as he has captained the team in the last two pre-season games and played the full 90 minutes against Atletico Madrid.

The real test is whether "Captain Mount" can maintain his fitness and stay injury-free, especially with United's return to the Champions League meaning a more congested fixture list. Mount's wages might also be a concern for Ratcliffe, as he has returned to his full salary of £250,000 per week, which is certainly too high for a rotation player.

Given Mount's injury history, not signing another midfielder would be a huge risk, and United still need a defensive midfielder who can cover a large area. Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni and Roma's Manu Koné have been linked with the Red Devils, along with the patiently waiting Carlos Baleba. However, all these players command high wages, leaving Ratcliffe undecided about whether to make a move.

United could delay signing a defensive midfielder until next year. On one hand, Mount's contract runs until 2028, so if the club decides to part ways with him, next summer will be the last chance to recoup a transfer fee. On the other hand, the money saved from not buying a midfielder could be used to bring in a top-quality left-back.

Luke Shaw started all 38 Premier League matches last season, but he is now 31 and cannot be expected to play every game given the demands of two competitions. Like Mount, nobody can predict when the "English Carlos" might suddenly pick up an injury. Shaw's contract is in its final year, and the club has yet to decide on an extension.

Manchester United have long coveted Newcastle United's Lewis Hall. The 21-year-old England left-back rejected a return to Chelsea, and Sky Sports journalist Simon Phillips reports that despite interest from Xabi Alonso, Hall turned him down. Hall originally joined Newcastle from Chelsea for £35 million.

Phillips said: "Alonso did try to contact Hall, but he was never really keen on going back to Chelsea. You can only persuade so much. I don't know if he will eventually join United, but it looks very likely."

Over the weekend, reports again linked Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly with Manchester United. The 19-year-old, who was relegated to backup for Calafiori last season, can also play as a defensive midfielder, which appeals to United. The Independent claims United are investigating whether Arsenal would be willing to sell, but Arteta seems inclined to keep him. However, if the Gunners sign Newcastle's Bruno Guimarães and Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior, the situation could change.