Mason Mount’s afternoon ended prematurely during Manchester United’s clash with Brighton, as he was substituted at halftime due to a reported injury concern. The decision to withdraw Mount came in the midst of United’s disappointing 2-1 defeat to Brighton on the south coast, where a dramatic 95th-minute goal from Joao Pedro sealed the victory for the Seagulls. Mount’s removal from the match added to the frustration of the loss, as he was replaced by Joshua Zirkzee during the interval, hinting at possible injury trouble for the midfielder.
Mount’s struggle with injuries has been an ongoing concern since his move from Chelsea last season, a transfer that cost Manchester United £55 million. Despite being one of the most promising talents, Mount only managed to make 20 appearances across all competitions due to his recurrent fitness issues. This season, however, he started off fully fit after a rigorous pre-season, showing promise and determination to make an impact. But, Erik ten Hag was forced to deliver disappointing news post-match, confirming that Mount had requested to be taken off due to an injury worry.
When questioned about Mount’s substitution, Erik ten Hag made it clear that the change was not part of the original game plan. “It was forced,” Ten Hag admitted. “Mason came to us with a concern and indicated he was experiencing some discomfort. At that moment, I didn’t want to take any risks with his fitness.” The exact nature and severity of Mount’s injury remain unclear, leaving both the manager and the fans in suspense. Ten Hag acknowledged the uncertainty, stating, “We are yet to understand the full extent of the issue.”
Despite the setback, Ten Hag expressed confidence in his squad’s depth and flexibility. He did not hesitate to bring on Joshua Zirkzee, highlighting the youngster’s potential to change the game. “Our bench is strong. If there’s a need to take someone off, we have capable players ready to step in, and Joshua showed that today,” Ten Hag noted, praising Zirkzee’s performance. Nevertheless, the focus remains on Mount’s recovery, especially with the significant fixture against Liverpool looming next Sunday at Old Trafford. His availability for that crucial match hangs in the balance, creating a cloud of uncertainty over United’s preparations.
Brighton had taken the lead in the first half, capitalizing on a well-crafted opportunity as Kaoru Mitoma provided a pinpoint cross for a simple finish. This left Ten Hag contemplating tactical adjustments during the break. The introduction of Zirkzee seemed to pay off, as United found an equalizer in the second half, with Zirkzee once again proving to be influential. He had scored the decisive goal in United’s season opener against Fulham, demonstrating his knack for stepping up in critical moments.
As the game progressed, United appeared to have snatched a 2-1 lead when substitute Alejandro Garnacho found the back of the net. However, the jubilation was short-lived. A VAR review showed that Garnacho’s shot had deflected off an offside Zirkzee before crossing the line, leading to the goal being disallowed. This decision left United fans in frustration and underscored the fine margins that can dictate the outcome of a tightly contested match.
With the injury to Mason Mount and the narrow defeat, Manchester United now faces a critical period. The focus will be on Mount’s fitness, the team’s response to this setback, and their preparation for the upcoming challenge against one of their fiercest rivals, Liverpool. The Red Devils will need to regroup, reassess their strategies, and hope for positive news regarding Mount’s condition to bounce back stronger in the games to come.