Without Rúben Amorim's backing, Mason Mount has again struggled with familiar injury problems, sitting out the majority of games under Carrick. The 27-year-old England international may be sold this summer, partly because of his fitness but more so due to his hefty £250,000 weekly salary, which makes a squad role unlikely. Moreover, United hope to move him on while he still attracts interest, avoiding another Paul Pogba or Phil Jones situation.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told "Football Insider" that Mount currently has no shortage of admirers, with several Premier League clubs closely monitoring his situation. Aston Villa are believed to have long admired him, while mid-table sides like Fulham also hold him in high regard.
Among them, Fulham are willing to pay £30 million for Mount. The club previously signed Brazilian international Andreas Pereira from United and later sold him to Palmeiras for a €500,000 profit.
So far this season, Mount has made 19 appearances across all competitions, but mainly under Amorim’s tenure. In United’s last nine Premier League matches, he featured only twice. Brown confirmed that United would indeed consider offers for Mount, no longer viewing him as part of their long-term plans.
Brown explained: "A player like Mason Mount will certainly attract attention from many clubs. He has a strong reputation, and internally at United, he is highly regarded. Everyone I’ve spoken to says he’s an excellent player, works extremely hard, and behaves well around the club and dressing room. When you’re scouting a player, hearing such feedback is always positive, because bringing in someone with the right attitude is crucial."
Regarding Mount’s potential destinations, Brown said: "I’ve heard Villa were previously interested and believe he remains on Unai Emery’s radar. Clubs like Fulham would also monitor his situation if United sell. I can imagine many Premier League sides needing a player like Mount. The key is whether he can stay fit long enough to make an impact—that will determine the success of any move, though the transfer fee is also a significant factor."
United signed Mount from Chelsea in 2023 for £60 million, with £55 million fixed, on a five-year contract. With two years left this summer, United would only need to sell him for £22 million to break even on the books.

Even if United sell Mount, they need not worry about attacking depth. Beyond new signings, academy standout JJ Gabriel is poised for more opportunities. Reportedly, Carrick’s top assistant and former England and Chelsea coach Steve Holland has been won over by the 15-year-old English talent.
United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is committed to promoting academy players into the first team, where currently only midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is a regular starter. Gabriel is the most likely candidate to become the next key "academy crown prince" in the senior squad.
If not for his age restricting eligibility, many would already be calling for his Premier League debut, similar to demands for Carrick to start Šeško. Last Wednesday, United legend Wayne Rooney visited Carrington with former teammate John O’Shea to watch his eldest son Kai Rooney, who indeed delivered by providing an assist off the bench. However, Gabriel stole the show, scoring twice as the star performer in United U18’s 6-1 thrashing of Derby County, extending their winning streak to eight games.
In his last five matches, Gabriel has scored seven goals. During Wednesday’s Premier League U18 Cup semi-final against West Ham, United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was watching from the sidelines when Gabriel found the net.
This week, Gabriel again trained with the first team. According to The Mirror, United’s coaching staff, including Steve Holland, have been impressed by how well he has adapted to senior training. Notably, some even believe Gabriel could contend for the Ballon d’Or in the future. Such lofty praise may be premature; as Rio Ferdinand revealed, Carrick once predicted Martial would win the Ballon d’Or, a forecast that did not age well.
What is certain is that Gabriel will rise quickly—he has already outgrown U18 level. This season, he leads United’s U18 Premier League scoring charts with 15 goals, ranking sixth overall in the division; all five players above him are older. Across all competitions, Gabriel has 18 goals, demonstrating his comfort against opponents up to three years his senior. The Daily Mail’s Oliver Holt recently called him the most exciting English teenage talent since Wayne Rooney.

Currently, United’s youngest first-team debut record belongs to David Gaskell, who played for the Red Devils at 16 years and 19 days—a mark that has stood for nearly 70 years. Gabriel turns 16 on October 16th this year. If he makes his senior debut in August or September, he could become the youngest player in the club’s history.