Key figures at Manchester United reportedly blocked the club from offloading a player they believe deserves a second chance.
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS acquired a minority stake in the club and assumed control of football operations, significant changes have taken place at Old Trafford.
As part of these changes, several prominent players left the club over the summer, including Jadon Sancho, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Scott McTominay.
However, there was one player that senior figures insisted on keeping.
According to Manchester Evening News, United’s staff decided to retain Mason Mount this season, believing he deserves another opportunity to prove why the club signed him last year.
Mount joined United from Chelsea, where he spent six years. During his time there, he won the Champions League and made 279 appearances, scoring 58 goals and providing 53 assists.
After United paid £60 million, including add-ons, expectations were high for Mount.
However, a calf injury sidelined the 25-year-old for most of the 2023/24 season, fueling anticipation for his return this season.
Despite reportedly feeling in good form during preseason and playing in the Community Shield against Manchester City, as well as Premier League matches against Brighton and Fulham, Mount is now struggling with a new muscle injury.
Revealing his injury on social media, Mount said: “During the last game I picked up a minor muscle injury. I’ve had it checked and it looks like I’ll be out for a few games. Leading up to and during pre-season, I worked hard to get my fitness back to where it needs to be and I felt re-energised, sharp and ready.
“I wanted you to hear it directly from me how frustrated I am, as I expect you are too. I will do everything possible to be back in the best shape and help the team.”
Thankfully for Mount, his injury appears to only be minor and he is expected to return in October.