Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has played down concerns surrounding Mason Mount after the England midfielder was forced off early in Saturday’s 1-1 pre-season draw against Paris Saint-Germain. Mount, 27, was substituted inside the opening 20 minutes after appearing to suffer a foot injury following a challenge during the friendly. Tyler Fletcher came on to replace him as United opted not to take unnecessary risks with the midfielder during their preparations for the new season.

Carrick suggested that Mount’s withdrawal was primarily a precautionary decision rather than an indication that the player had suffered a significant injury. “He got kicked,” Carrick told reporters after the match. The United manager explained that the club wanted to be careful and look after Mount, particularly because the team had so far been fortunate with injuries during their pre-season programme. The decision to remove him early allowed the medical staff and coaching team to avoid exposing him to further risk in a match that was ultimately part of the club’s preparations rather than a competitive fixture.

Mount’s latest setback will nevertheless be closely monitored given his injury history since moving to Manchester United from Chelsea in 2023. The midfielder has struggled to maintain a consistent run of appearances because of various injury problems, limiting his opportunities to establish himself as a regular member of the team. His availability will therefore be an important consideration for Carrick as United approach the start of the Premier League campaign. While the manager’s comments were reassuring, the club will likely assess Mount further before determining whether he can continue with the remainder of the pre-season schedule.

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United also had to recover from a difficult start against the French champions after PSG took the lead inside two minutes. Ibrahim Mbaye put the European champions ahead early, forcing United to respond against a side capable of controlling possession and creating pressure in the final third. Bryan Mbeumo eventually restored parity before half-time, giving United a 1-1 scoreline that remained unchanged through the second half. The result allowed Carrick’s side to test themselves against high-level opposition while continuing to work on tactical and physical aspects ahead of the competitive campaign.

Carrick said he was encouraged by several aspects of United’s display and particularly praised the way his players dealt with problems during the match. The manager explained that he wanted his squad to develop the ability to find solutions on the pitch rather than always receiving instructions from the coaching staff. He said the experience of having to “problem-solve” during matches could help prepare the players for the demands of the season. For United, the fixture therefore offered value beyond the final score, giving Carrick an opportunity to evaluate how his squad responds when faced with different tactical situations and periods of pressure.

The match was another step in United’s preparations for the new Premier League season, with further friendlies against Leeds United and AC Milan still to come. The club will then begin its league campaign against promoted Hull City on August 22. While Mount’s condition will be one of the immediate issues for the coaching and medical staff to assess, Carrick will also be encouraged by the competitive test provided by PSG and Mbeumo’s response after the early setback. United’s priority now will be to complete their preparations without unnecessary injuries while ensuring the squad is ready for the demands of the new campaign.

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