Ruben Amorim has named Mason Mount as an option in central midfield if Manchester United fail to strengthen in the middle of the park.
United have rebuilt their attack with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko arriving at Old Trafford this summer, along with young talent Diego Leon at left-back.
But issues remain unresolved in midfield – an area of the pitch that caused United major problems last season.
Questions remain over Casemiro’s ability to withstand the pace of the Premier League after another draining campaign last term while Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte have seldom shown promise as a midfield duo.
Toby Collyer has been given the green light to join West Brom on loan with Bruno Fernandes expected to get more games in a deeper role.
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United are eager to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton but could be priced out of a move this summer.
The Seagulls value the 21-year-old at £100million and while the midfielder is thought to be keen on the move, any deal may have to wait until this time next year.
While Sporting CP star Morten Hjulmand has been linked, there does not appear to a genuine alternative to Baleba in mind.
In any case, Amorim is prepared to make do with what he has at his disposal – viewing Mount as another option.
‘I’m really happy with our players, they are working really well, we have different players for that position, so we are prepared to win any game with our players,’ Amorim told a press conference ahead of the Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday.
‘Maybe Mason Mount is a player that can play in that position if we want something different.
‘But then we are going to find out during the season. But we have players to cope and win games in the Premier League.’
Mount has largely operated in an attacking midfield role for Chelsea, England and United.
Amorim is a huge admirer of the 26-year-old who has endured an injury-hit spell in Manchester since arriving from Stamford Bridge in 2024.
Mount picked up a hamstring injury early on in Amorim’s tenue last year but returned late in the campaign, scoring twice in the Europa League semi-final win over Athletic Club.