“Begin as you mean to go along”, as they say, but for Manchester United, the pattern of injuries never stopped after last season.
They lost a player in every game during the USA tour in pre-season and all it took was one in the Premier League to get another issue.
Mason Mount‘s injury forced him to come off vs Brighton and Hove Albion at half-time and Erik ten Hag later confirmed the issue.
However, further updates on his condition had been absent as fans dreaded the worst and now a Mason Mount injury update has arrived.
Mason Mount injury update
Mount’s first season at Old Trafford was a step of one step forward, and a hundred steps back as he never got out of second gear.
After an encouraging pre-season and starting three games on the trot for competitive action, the tide finally looked to be turning this season. Until now.
The Athletic reports that Mount has picked up a hamstring injury which is expected to keep him out for about four to five weeks.
It is notable that Mount couldn’t string together consecutive games last season either and this time, it looks to be the same.
Preempting the disappointment, Mount has sent Manchester United fans a message on his Instagram stories saying:
“During the last game I picked up a minor muscle issue. 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 reenergised, 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.”
Unpacking the situation
Right off the bat, it’s worth mentioning that Mount has generally been a relatively injury-free player during his career but with a caveat.
The season after which United bought him was the worst one for him in terms of time missed due to injuries.
To have the same theme continue after arriving is concerning as after a certain time, it can no longer be put down to bad luck or even lack of preparation.
Nobody thinks Mount is not a model professional, and it has helped him become a manager’s favourite everywhere he has been.
However, if a certain part of the body just doesn’t cooperate anymore, then the player is often left helpless. Mount’s issue last season also pertained to his hamstring at times.
Therefore, it is worth asking the question if he can be relied upon anymore to be a bonafide first-team player.
The competition in the middle is increasingly getting intense and he struggled for a clear role in the team before this news anyway.
Thus, it comes at the worst possible time for the player and it might be the news which ultimately tips Mount’s status at United to expendable next season.
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