United's luck has run out as another player is out through injury

Manchester United's ongoing injury streak took another unfortunate turn when Mason Mount was forced off at half-time during the 2-1 loss to Brighton in the Premier League. The 25-year-old midfielder joined the Red Devils from Chelsea last year, but he has struggled with injuries since his arrival and his latest setback adds to a long list of United absentees.

Mount's time at Manchester United was marred by injury setbacks that limited his impact on the field. Despite arriving with high expectations following a $73 million transfer from Chelsea, the Englishman only made 20 appearances in all competitions in his first season. To make matters worse, he only started eight of those games. However, two serious injury absences in his first year prevented him from becoming a reliable contributor to the squad.

Going into the 2024-25 season, there was hope that the 25-year-old would finally put together a consistent run of games. After a fully fit pre-season, Mount earned a starting position in the Red Devils' opening match against Fulham, playing as a false nine alongside Bruno Fernandes. While his performance on the ball attracted some attention, his tireless work rate off the ball was commendable.

But just two games into the new season, Mount's injury problems have resurfaced. In the game against Brighton, the midfielder was substituted at half-time with United trailing 1-0. After the game, manager Erik ten Hag confirmed that Mount's substitution was not for tactical reasons, but was forced due to an injury he sustained in the first half. “It was forced,” revealed the Dutch manager. “He had a problem, he mentioned a problem, and I didn't want to take any risks. I don't know how worrying that is at the moment.”

Major setback for Mount and United after recent injury

Mount's latest injury is a huge blow for both the player and the club. After failing to make an impression in his first season, the former Chelsea midfielder has been under pressure to perform in his second season at Old Trafford. With United already battling numerous injury problems, the team's woes are made even worse by the loss of Mount. The 25-year-old had hoped to push for his return to the England team. Mount last played for the national team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, his injury raises doubts about his availability for the upcoming Nations League matches against Ireland and Finland under caretaker manager Lee Carsley.

With Mount's injury status still uncertain, there are concerns over whether he will be fit for United's next Premier League match against Liverpool at Old Trafford. If he does not recover in time, Ten Hag will have to reshuffle his squad again; especially to cope with the absence of another key midfielder. The Dutch coach, who had numerous injury problems last season, faces a similar dilemma this year. “We have a good bench,” said Ten Hag, trying to remain optimistic. “If you can bring Zirkzee, don't hesitate to take him out. If you bring in a player who makes an impact, and we see that Josh played a great game.”

United's ever-growing injury list

For Manchester United, the timing of Mount's injury could not have been worse. The team is already without several key players, including Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Rasmus Hojlund, all of whom are out of action through injury. United's injury crisis shows no signs of abating, and Ten Hag's options are becoming increasingly limited as the season progresses.

Summer signing Leny Yoro, who impressed in pre-season, is out with a foot injury and will not return until November 2024. Luke Shaw is struggling with a calf injury and is aiming to return after the international break in September. Meanwhile, Victor Lindelof is recovering from a toe injury and could be back for the Liverpool game, while Hojlund and Malacia are both unavailable due to thigh and knee injuries respectively.

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