Mount is set to stay at Manchester United, with Carrick grooming him as a versatile backup! The team may have two top-paid substitutes.

Despite United securing two new midfielders, it is inevitable that the 27-year-old England international Mason Mount will stay at the club next season. Had the Red Devils previously acquired Matheus Fernandes, his versatility would have made Mount's situation uncomfortable. Nevertheless, Fernandes opted for Spurs, creating greater opportunities for Mount. In Carrick's plans, Mount may serve as a substitute in multiple positions across midfield and attack, with faith that he can overcome injury issues and find top form.

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United rejected inquiries from several clubs for Mount this summer, with Aston Villa, Newcastle, Fulham, Inter Milan, Napoli, and RB Leipzig all reportedly asking about his potential transfer.

Now, Mount is expected to remain at United. In the final two matches of last season, head coach Carrick deployed Mount alongside Kobbie Mainoo in a double pivot, where Mount performed well, impressing the manager particularly with his positive attitude. He is now regarded as a very useful squad option.

Carrick highly values Mount's versatility, work ethic, and professionalism, seeing him as a key rotation player who can provide quality cover in multiple positions to handle potential injuries. Beyond defensive midfield, Mount can also fill in on the wing or even as a center-forward. United have needs in both those areas but may fail to address them if they cannot sell Rashford and Zirkzee.

Although Mount's £250,000 per week salary is surely an eyesore for owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe now that United are back in the Champions League, the knight has no choice but to accept his staying until a replacement is found.

Mount may not even be the most awkward player on United's bench; his England teammate Rashford could also remain, with his £325,000 weekly wage being the highest in the squad.

This suggests a peculiar scenario next season where two of United's three highest earners could be substitutes, with only the second-highest paid, captain Bruno Fernandes, being guaranteed a starting spot.

To increase his playing time, Mount is prepared to accept a deeper role. He sees opportunities arising from Casemiro's contract expiring and Ugarte's World Cup ligament tear. Currently, United have only one fit senior defensive midfielder in Kobbie Mainoo. Even if new signings arrive, Mount can further prove his ability in that position during pre-season and secure a better place in Carrick's plans.

Mount reported back to Carrington early last Thursday, making him the only senior midfielder available. He is sure to be given significant minutes in the early friendlies. The arrival of fellow Chelsea graduate Andrey Santos will not affect Mount's pre-season opportunities. Although Mainoo didn't play a single minute for England at the World Cup, he still must wait until the team's Dublin training camp on August 9th to rejoin.

If Mount performs well and United sign a high-profile new defensive midfielder, Mainoo might consider returning early. There is precedent for World Cup participants joining United before the pre-season begins. In summer 2018, Fred, who signed for the Red Devils but did not play any World Cup games for Brazil in Russia, decided to link up with his new teammates before the mandatory three-week rest period ended.

However, that is unscientific. A recent report states that professional players should have at least four weeks off, plus at least another four weeks of recovery training, before returning to competitive action.

This study, released by the global players' union Fifpro, involved 70 medical and performance experts seeking reasonable measures to protect players from excessive fatigue and overload, which can lead to serious injuries.

Last September, Manchester City midfielder Rodri complained that players no longer wanted to play due to too many matches. His words proved prophetic—a week later, he suffered a severe anterior cruciate ligament tear. His teammate Manuel Akanji stated that due to the congested schedule and lack of rest, he might have to retire at age 30.