Watching Mason Mount play is always a delight. Unfortunately, Manchester United fans haven’t watched him play a whole lot since he joined. With only nine goal contributions across all competitions since joining the club in 2023, fans were expecting the England midfielder to play a more prominent role this season. Unfortunately, however, with a poor injury record and changing management, the Mason Mount form has dipped since his switch over to the north of England.
From being a marquee midfield signing to playing a handful of minutes every season, let alone being one of the highest earners at the club, Mason Mount is another reminder of INEOS’ struggles in managing Manchester United.
Why has such a promising midfielder’s career derailed entirely at Manchester United, and how can he revive it?
The Number Seven Shirt: Why The Poor Mason Mount Form Sees Him Join A Long List Of Infamous Footballers
The number seven holds a lot of significance at Manchester United. It has historically been worn by the most charismatic footballers, those who turn games around in moments and stomp their authority on the football ground. Take Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham or Eric Cantona, for example – each of them had an X-factor, boosting the United brand every time they stepped out onto the ground.
In the post-Alex Ferguson era, however, the charm and enigma beneath the jersey number has disappeared. The shirt has been worn by a fair few unworthy footballers, playing amidst a mediocre group not helped by the right tactical instructions to win games. Players like Memphis Depay and Alexis Sanchez lacked the edge needed to justify getting the number, while others like Antonio Valencia gave it up because of the expectations.
In Mason Mount, Manchester United saw hope. Playing a prominent role in Chelsea’s UEFA Champions-League winning campaign, the Mason Mount form was hugely encouraging for Manchester United. He was signed to play alongside Casemiro in the pivot, a position that’s fairly new and unfamiliar to him. Yet, he shone brightly in his first pre-season, giving the club hope that a transfer gamble has paid off. However, fast-forward three years and Manchester United are still yet to see the special player that they paid a hefty transfer fee paid for. Why did the transfer fail, and what can the English giants learn from it?
Injuries, Coaching And More: What Lies Behind Poor Mason Mount Form
Ever since he joined Manchester United, Mason Mount’s career has been plagued by injuries. From the 130-140 games that have been played since he signed, he has missed more than 70, showing how rarely he has been available across three years of plying his trade at the Red Devils.
A number of different injuries are responsible for his current predicament. From a calf injury that kept him out for four months between 2023 and 2024, to a recurring hamstring injury that sidelined him for four more, the Mason Mount form has wavered ever since joining the Manchester club.
In the 2025/26 season, he played a prominent role in pre-season, partnering Andrey Santos in most games. However, in one of the final games of pre-season, he suffered another injury, keeping him out ahead of the start of the Premier League season. These issues caused the poor Mason Mount form, damaging his potential and preventing him from giving more for the club.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: UEFA Champions League Matchday 2: Three Key Takeaways As Paris Saint-Germain Get Big Win Over Manchester City
Mason Mount Form: Why Manchester United Missed A Trick In Not Selling The Midfielder
Despite getting two bit-part seasons out of him, Manchester United weren’t prepared to cut their losses early. Their phased rebuild, with the midfield being in focus this summer, should’ve seen the midfielder depart and be replaced for the 2025/26 season. However, the positive Mason Mount form in pre-season and a knee injury to Manuel Ugarte made the club decide to keep the ex-Chelsea midfielder.
The fact that Manchester United are a bad selling club is no longer a secret. Signing a midfielder with one season to go on his contract for more than £55 million, and wages totalling up to £250,000 per week, was a notable risk. Not only has the gamble soured, but the club have shown no alacrity in selling the midfielder and earning back whatever little is possible.
Manchester United’s transfer dealings post-Sir Alex Ferguson have lacked structure, intention and planning. Mason Mount is a prime exponent of this era, standing out like a thorn after INEOS reduced the club’s wage bill substantially. However, just because the midfielder shines every time he plays doesn’t mean that the ownership should ignore how rarely he plays in the first place. Selling him is the only logical option at this point, and the club are missing a trick in allowing him to continue plying his trade at Manchester United.
Extra Time Notes
Mason Mount’s promising career derailed after moving to Manchester United, and this is highlighted by the poor Mason Mount form. While that story is familiar, the dip in Mason Mount form and the increase in injuries have been significant. This is his fourth season at the club – and he’s yet to cross 10 goal contributions for the club in all competitions.
All signs pointed towards the English midfielder being moved on in the summer. However, the club decided otherwise, despite prioritising the midfield this time around in their phased rebuild. He is still well-regarded at the club, but it’s unlikely that trust will last beyond this season, taking into account the many other problems going on at Manchester United, and especially the poor Mason Mount form.
More Manchester United News
Bruno Fernandes Form: How Does Misfiring Manchester United Captain Regain His Confidence?
