Mason Mount injury scare: Carrick calls PSG substitution precautionary
Synopsis
Mason Mount's latest early exit has reignited fitness concerns at Old Trafford — but Michael Carrick insists it was caution, not crisis. With just 25 Premier League starts from a possible 114 since 2023, the clock is ticking for the England midfielder to finally stay fit for a full campaign.
Key Takeaways
Mason Mount was substituted inside 20 minutes of Manchester United's 1-1 pre-season draw against PSG in Gothenburg on 9 August .
Coach Michael Carrick described the withdrawal as precautionary, saying Mount 'got kicked' and the club wanted to 'be careful'.
Mount was seen walking without difficulty after the match, offering some reassurance.
The 27-year-old has made only 25 Premier League starts out of a possible 114 since joining from Chelsea in 2023 .
Bryan Mbeumo equalised for United after Ibrahim Mbaye had put PSG ahead.
United face Hull City in their Premier League opener on 22 August .
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has moved to ease concerns over Mason Mount after the England midfielder was withdrawn inside the first 20 minutes of the club's 1-1 pre-season draw against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg on 9 August. Carrick insisted the decision to replace Mount was precautionary rather than an indication of a fresh injury crisis.
What Happened on the Pitch
Mount appeared to pick up a knock early in the contest and was replaced by Tyler Fletcher. The 27-year-old was subsequently seen walking without visible difficulty as he headed toward the United team coach — a sight that offered some reassurance to supporters already wary of his fitness record.
'He got kicked. We just wanted to be careful and look after him. We've been lucky with injuries so far, so we wanted to be careful,' Carrick said after the match.
Mount's Troubled Spell at Old Trafford
The substitution is the latest chapter in a difficult period for Mount since his move from Chelsea to Manchester United in 2023. He has managed only 25 Premier League starts out of a possible 114 since arriving at Old Trafford, a stark figure that underlines how persistently fitness issues have undermined his impact at the club. A succession of setbacks has prevented him from stringing together a consistent run in the side.
United's Performance Against PSG
Despite the early disruption, Carrick was broadly encouraged by his side's showing against the reigning European champions. Ibrahim Mbaye had given PSG the lead before Bryan Mbeumo levelled for United, who created enough chances to have taken all three points.
'I enjoyed it. Good challenge. Slightly different with the way they play. We should've scored more goals. It's good for the boys sometimes to have to problem solve and find their own way, and I thought we did that. That prepares them for the season as well,' Carrick said.
What's Next for Manchester United
United have two pre-season fixtures remaining before their Premier League campaign begins against newly-promoted Hull City on 22 August. With the competitive season fast approaching, the fitness of Mount — and the broader injury picture — will be closely monitored ahead of that opener.
Point of View
But the optics are damaging. A player who has started fewer than a quarter of available Premier League matches since 2023 cannot afford another prolonged absence — and United cannot afford to keep building around a midfielder who rarely plays. The real question is not whether this knock is serious, but whether Mount can ever deliver a full, uninterrupted season at Old Trafford. With the Premier League opener three weeks away, the pressure on his fitness is not just physical — it is existential for his United career.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Mason Mount substituted against PSG?
Mason Mount was withdrawn inside the first 20 minutes of Manchester United's 1-1 pre-season draw against Paris Saint-Germain after appearing to pick up a knock. Manager Michael Carrick said the substitution was precautionary, explaining that Mount 'got kicked' and the club wanted to be careful with his fitness.
Is Mason Mount's injury serious?
According to Michael Carrick, there is no immediate cause for alarm. Mount was seen walking without difficulty after the match, suggesting the knock may not be serious, though no formal medical update was provided.
How many Premier League games has Mason Mount started for Manchester United?
Mount has made only 25 Premier League starts out of a possible 114 since joining Manchester United from Chelsea in 2023. Persistent fitness problems have prevented him from establishing a consistent place in the side.
What was the result of Manchester United's pre-season match against PSG?
Manchester United drew 1-1 with Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg on 9 August. Ibrahim Mbaye gave PSG the lead before Bryan Mbeumo equalised for United, who created chances to win the match outright.
When do Manchester United begin their Premier League season?
Manchester United open their Premier League campaign against newly-promoted Hull City on 22 August. They have two pre-season fixtures remaining before that opener.
