Mason Mount’s move to Manchester United has continued to be a disaster this season with injuries already plaguing his campaign.
After playing well against both Fulham and Brighton in a new system under Erik ten Hag, once again Mason Mount found himself out through injury.
This has forced Manchester United into a system change at the club with Mason Mount irreplaceable in the team given a lack of attacking midfielders – with Scott McTominay’s move to Napoli likely being rued.
However, if Ten Hag looks to the academy, he could find himself with a luxury of options to choose from, but there is one who has taken U21 football by storm for Manchester United.
Jack Fletcher is a ready-made Mason Mount replacement
Having cost £55 million last summer, Mount has so far been a complete flop considering he has made just 23 appearances so far for United.
With this in mind, and that he’s already facing weeks on the sideline, Ineos may soon grow weary and in that event, there is a 17-year-old talent who is knocking on the door with Erik ten Hag looking to fast-track him.
Jack Fletcher has had a simply phenomenal start to life with the U21s this season, one year after he joined for £613k (£1.25m total) from Manchester City alongside his twin brother Tyler – who has also been impressive this season but for the U18s.
| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists |
| Premier League 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| EFL Trophy | 1 | 2 | 0 |
Fletcher bagged a brace against senior EFL side Barnsley in the EFL Trophy – despite playing just 33 minutes – with one goal being a world-class strike from range.
Fletcher has also been on the winning side in both of his Premier League 2 appearances so far with a goal against Stoke and two assists against Blackburn.
Due to this form, Erik ten Hag has had Fletcher already training with the first-team this season which places him well for an appearance this season – perhaps even a cameo in the Europa League.
- READ MORE: Who is Jack Fletcher? Meet Man Utd’s rising talent, including his father and twin brother
Manchester United face big loss on £55m transfer
When Mount plays for United, he is rarely bad and it almost seems as though with a run of games he could be a really important member of this team.
However, the issue which is becoming more and more prominent is that Mount does not seem capable of getting a run of games in before he picks up another injury.
This is a problem for Manchester United and while the club will be desperate for him to work, another season like 2023/24 could see Ineos with a big decision over whether to cut their losses already.
Mount could be a key part of this team, but he must first prove himself capable of staying fit, otherwise, Fletcher’s chance could come even sooner than expected.
At this rate, the 17-year-old will make his debut this season, it’s just a matter of if not when. But his promotion could signal the end for Mount.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/YKerE2l